Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Screening, Early Detection, and Knowing Your Risk

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage appropriate screening, and remind people that early detection can make a significant difference.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States. While receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening, advances in screening and treatment have greatly improved outcomes. One of the most important things you can do is understand your individual risk and stay up to date with recommended screening.

When Should You Start Getting Mammograms?

For women at average risk of breast cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammography every two years from ages 40 through 74.

However, screening isn’t necessarily one-size-fits-all. Your personal medical history, family history, breast density, previous breast biopsies, genetic factors, and other risk factors may affect when screening should begin and how often it should be performed.

If you’re unsure when your last mammogram was, or whether you’re due for one, your primary care provider can help you determine the appropriate screening schedule.

Know Your Personal and Family History

Some people have a higher risk of developing breast cancer because of their personal or family history.

It’s important to tell your healthcare provider if you have a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or certain other cancers, particularly when cancers occurred at younger ages or affected multiple family members.

Depending on your history, additional risk assessment, genetic counseling or testing, or enhanced screening may be appropriate.

Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Breasts

Screening mammograms are intended to find breast cancer before symptoms appear, but you should also be aware of changes in your breasts.

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• A new breast or underarm lump

• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast

• Changes in the size or shape of a breast

• Skin dimpling, irritation, redness, or other skin changes

• Nipple changes or new nipple discharge

• Persistent breast or nipple pain

• Any other new or unexplained breast change

Most breast changes are not cancer, but new or persistent changes deserve evaluation.

What About Dense Breasts?

Breast density describes the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared with fatty tissue in the breast. Dense breast tissue is common, but it can make abnormalities more difficult to see on a mammogram and is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Your mammogram report should tell you whether you have dense breasts. If you do, talk with your healthcare provider about what that means for your individual risk and whether any additional screening should be considered.

Haven’t Had a Mammogram in a While?

You’re not alone.

People fall behind on preventive care for many reasons: busy schedules, changes in insurance, moving, caring for family members, or simply not realizing they’re due.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good opportunity to check when your last mammogram was and get your preventive care back on track.

Primary Care Plays an Important Role

Breast cancer prevention and early detection aren’t limited to ordering a mammogram.

Primary care is an opportunity to look at the whole picture: your age, medical history, family history, medications, lifestyle, previous imaging, and other factors that may influence your risk.

At DDC Health, we can review your breast cancer risk, discuss current screening recommendations, order or coordinate mammography when appropriate, and help with follow-up if an abnormality is identified.

If you’re overdue for your mammogram or simply aren’t sure what screening you need, we’re happy to help.

This October, Take a Moment for Your Health

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. It’s a reminder to know your risk, pay attention to changes in your body, and stay current with recommended preventive care.

Early detection matters. If you’re due for breast cancer screening, now is a great time to get it scheduled.

DDC Health — Primary Care in Portland, Oregon — Be Well.