Newsroom Join Our List Shop Komen National Español Contact

Breast Cancer Self-Awareness:  Reduce your Risk!

breast-health-101

  1. Know your risk

  • Talk to your family to learn about your family health history.
  • Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer.

 

  1. Get screened

  • Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk.
  • Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk.
  • Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40.

 

  1. Know what is normal for you.  See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

  • Lump, hard knot or thickening.
  • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening.
  • Change in the size or shape of the breast.
  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
  • Itchy, scaly sore rash on the nipple.
  • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts.
  • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly.
  • New pain in one spot that does not go away.

 

  1. Make healthy lifestyle choices

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Add exercise into your routine.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.

 

If you can’t afford a mammogram call 2-1-1 San Diego.

Please visit Komen national’s About Breast Cancer section on their website for more educational resources.

National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool 

The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool is an interactive tool designed by scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) to estimate a woman’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Click the button below to access the tool.