Discover three things you should know about breast cancer.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, arm yourself with the facts on breast cancer. Learn how you should become aware of your body, how you can lower your risk, and what the next steps are if your doctor diagnoses you with breast cancer.

Know Your Breasts
As an adult woman, it’s very important that you become familiar with your breasts. Check them out in a mirror. Go ahead and feel them. In fact, give them a thorough self-exam, carefully noting the consistency of the breast tissue and surrounding tissue, including the tissue of your armpit. If you feel any lumps, painful areas or inconsistencies that aren’t related to your menstrual cycle, talk to your doctor. If you’re over 40 or your doctor has recommended it, begin having an annual mammogram.

Know How to Prevent
According to the National Cancer Institute, as many as one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lives. This is a sobering, stunning statistic. To help lower your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer, live well. What does this mean? Quit smoking, lower your exposure to environmental toxins, eat a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy weight.

Know How to Fight
The best way to fight breast cancer is to detect it very early. This means performing regular self-exams, seeing your doctor annually for a clinical exam, and staying on top of mammogram appointments as recommended by your doctor. Report any breast inconsistencies or lumps as soon as you feel them. If you are diagnosed, your doctors will come up with a regimen to fight the stage and location of the cancer you’ve been diagnosed with.

At Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute, we want to work with you to prevent your health. To learn more about breast cancer, please visit our online Health Library. And if you need a physician referral, just call Consult-A-Nurse at 1-800-446-6956. This service is available 24/7.

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