Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2023

2 —Breast Cancer Awareness 2023 Staff Reports A breast self-exam is an early detection tool using a combina- tion of physical and vi- sual examinations of the breasts to check for signs and symp- toms of breast cancer. The purpose of a breast self-exam is to become familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel. Know- ing how your breasts normally look and feel, also called breast self- awareness, will help you identify any changes or abnormalities in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes. Any changes in your breasts discovered dur- ing a breast self-exam should be reported to your healthcare provid- er right away, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. While a breast self- exam is a useful tool for the early detection of breast cancer, it should not take the place of reg- ular mammograms and clinical breast exams. NBCF o ff ers the fol- lowing information about self-examination, including how often, how to perform the exam and the fi rst steps if an abnormality is found. How often should a breast self-exam be performed? Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self- exams at least once a month. Lillie D. Shock- ney, Johns Hopkins Uni- versity Distinguished Service Professor of Breast Cancer states, “Forty percent of diag- nosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establish- ing a regular breast self- exam is very important.” For women still menstruating, a breast self-exam should be performed a few days after her period ends. For those who are post- menopausal, a breast self-exam should be performed on the same day of each month, such as the fi rst or 15th day of the month. While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self- exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Alert your healthcare professional if you notice any chang- es in your breasts, such as a new lump, sore spot, changes in the ap- pearance of the skin, or nipple discharge. 3 steps to early detection guide Breast cancer cannot usually be prevented, but you can take three important steps to help detect it earlier. This free guide can increase your chance of fi nding Breast self-exams can be used for early detection See Detection, Page 3 Street’s Auto Parts &RO\DU 6W 7UDF\ &LW\ 7Q 6WRUH +RXUV 0RQ )UL $0 30 6DW $0 30 6XQ &ORVHG 9,VLW XV RQOLQH DW 3DUWV&LW\$XWR FRP 931-294-2339 newsomhvac@gmail. com Serving Bedford County Since 1995 Providing Comfort For Any Season! NHC HealthCare Tullahoma 931-222-4207 1321 Cedar Ln, Tullahoma