Octobert is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
by Phillips Clinic on 09/29/24
Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer are—
New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
Pain in any area of the breast.
Keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer.
If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away.
Risk Factors That Can’t Be Changed.
Studies have shown that your risk for breast cancer is due to a combination of factors. The main factors that influence your risk include being a woman and getting older. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older.
Other factors include family history of breast or ovarian cancer, early menstrual periods or late menopause, genetic mutations, dense breast tissue, having taken DES during pregnancy.
Risk Factors That Can Be Changed:
Being physically inactive, being overweight or obese, taking hormones, having a first pregnancy after 30, not breast feeing, never having a full term
pregnancy and drinking an excess aount of alcohol are all risk factors
that can be changed.
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, you may have a high risk of getting breast cancer. You may also have a high risk for ovarian cancer. Talk to your Philips Clinic provider about ways to reduce your risk,
Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk,
