October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and V-103 is reminding women across Metro Atlanta that taking care of your breast health could save your life.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States. While the disease cannot always be prevented, understanding your personal risk, recognizing changes in your breasts and getting recommended screenings can make a significant difference.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no noticeable symptoms. That’s why knowing your body and staying on top of recommended mammograms are so important.
Here are some breast health tips every woman should know.
1. Know Your Breasts: How to Check for Changes
One of the simplest ways to take charge of your breast health is to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel.
Although formal breast self-exams have not been shown to reduce breast cancer deaths and are not recommended as a replacement for mammograms, breast self-awareness can help you recognize unusual changes.
Here’s a simple way to check yourself:
Step 1: Look in the mirror.
Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms at your sides.
Look for:
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Redness, swelling or unusual skin texture
- Changes in the position or appearance of your nipples
Raise your arms above your head and look again for any visible changes.
Step 2: Feel your breasts.
Using the pads of your three middle fingers, gently feel each breast in small circular motions.
Use light, medium and firmer pressure to become familiar with the tissue at different depths.
Check the entire breast area, including the tissue extending toward your armpits.
You can do this while standing in the shower or lying down.
Step 3: Pay attention to what’s different.
Breasts naturally change throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and with age.
The goal isn’t to find something wrong every time you check. It’s to understand what’s normal for YOU.
If you notice a new or unusual change, contact your healthcare provider rather than waiting for your next scheduled mammogram.
IMPORTANT: Checking your breasts at home does not replace regular mammograms or professional evaluation of symptoms.
2. Know the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
A lump isn’t the only possible sign of breast cancer.
According to the CDC, warning signs can include:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- Thickening or swelling in part of the breast
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Dimpling or irritation of the skin
- Redness, flaking or unusual changes around the nipple
- A nipple that begins turning inward
- Nipple discharge that isn’t breast milk, especially bloody discharge
- Persistent breast or nipple pain
Not every lump or change means cancer. Many breast conditions are benign.
However, any new or concerning symptom deserves medical attention, even if you’ve recently had a normal mammogram.
3. Don’t Skip Your Mammogram
Mammograms are among the most effective tools available for detecting breast cancer before symptoms appear.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women at average risk begin screening mammograms at age 40 and continue every two years through age 74.
The American Cancer Society offers slightly different guidance:
- Ages 40–44: Women have the option to begin yearly mammograms.
- Ages 45–54: Annual mammograms are recommended.
- Ages 55 and older: Women may continue yearly mammograms or switch to every two years, depending on their health and preferences.
Women with a strong family history, inherited genetic mutations or certain other risk factors may need earlier or additional screenings.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the screening schedule that’s right for you.
4. Know Your Family History
Has your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt or another relative been diagnosed with breast cancer?
Knowing your family’s medical history can help doctors better understand your risk.
Certain inherited genetic changes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Be sure to discuss cancer diagnoses on BOTH sides of your family with your healthcare provider.
And remember: You can still develop breast cancer even if nobody in your family has had it.
5. Make Lifestyle Choices That Can Lower Your Risk
There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, but some healthy habits can help reduce your risk.
Get moving. Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Walking, dancing, swimming and other forms of exercise are great ways to stay active.
Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body weight, particularly after menopause, can increase breast cancer risk.
Limit alcohol. Research shows that drinking alcohol increases breast cancer risk. Drinking less — or avoiding alcohol altogether — can help lower that risk.
Talk with your doctor about hormone medications. Some forms of menopausal hormone therapy can affect breast cancer risk. Discuss the benefits and risks of hormone therapy and hormonal birth control with your healthcare provider.
Breastfeed if possible. Research suggests breastfeeding can offer some protection against breast cancer.
Remember, developing breast cancer does not mean someone failed to make healthy choices. Many risk factors are outside an individual’s control.
6. Don’t Ignore Changes Just Because You’re Young
Although breast cancer becomes more common with age, younger women can develop the disease, too.
Women under 40 should not assume that a new lump, unusual nipple discharge or persistent breast changes are nothing to worry about.
If something doesn’t feel right, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
You know your body. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, request an evaluation or seek a second opinion if you still have concerns.
7. Metro Atlanta: You May Qualify for a Free or Low-Cost Mammogram
Concerned about the cost of breast cancer screening?
The Georgia Department of Public Health offers breast cancer screening and diagnostic services through its Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.
Eligible Georgia residents may qualify for free or low-cost mammograms and other services based on age, income and insurance status.
Breast screening services generally target uninsured or underinsured women ages 40–64 who meet income requirements.
Find out if you qualify:
Georgia Breast and Cervical Cancer Program:
https://dph.georgia.gov/BCCP
CDC National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program:
https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/about/screenings.html
Fulton County residents can also learn more about screening assistance through the Fulton County Board of Health:
https://fultoncountyboh.com/services/womens-health/breast-and-cervical-cancer-program/
The Bottom Line: Put Your Health First
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. It’s about taking action, sharing information and encouraging the women we love to prioritize their health.
Schedule that mammogram. Learn your family history. Pay attention to changes in your body. And don’t put off getting a concerning symptom checked.
This October, V-103 is encouraging women across Atlanta to make breast health a priority — because your health matters, your voice matters and your life matters.
Share this information with your mother, sister, daughter, aunt, friend or another woman you love. One conversation could encourage someone to get the care they need.
