[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/10\/breast-self-awareness-women-know\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/10\/breast-self-awareness-women-know\/","headline":"Breast Self-Awareness: What Women Should Know","name":"Breast Self-Awareness: What Women Should Know","description":"Learn more about breast cancer symptoms and self-breast exams. Follow four simple tips to help reduce your risk and increase the odds of early detection.","datePublished":"2014-10-24","dateModified":"2022-05-26","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"http:\/\/www.chp.edu\/our-services\/heart\/cardiology\/adult-congenital-heart-disease-center","name":"Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center","url":"http:\/\/www.chp.edu\/our-services\/heart\/cardiology\/adult-congenital-heart-disease-center","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/adult-congenital-heart-disease-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/breast-self-awareness-women-know.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/breast-self-awareness-women-know.jpg","height":867,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/10\/breast-self-awareness-women-know\/","about":["Cancer Care","Women's Health"],"wordCount":498,"keywords":["American Cancer Society","breast cancer","breast cancer awareness month","breast cancer risk","breast cancer symptoms","breast self-awareness","diagnosed breast cancers","Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC","Magee-Womens Imaging Services","mammogram"],"articleBody":"In October, when the color pink is popping up everywhere, it’s hard not to think about breast cancer. This disease has touched the lives of far too many men and women. Even if you yourself are not at risk for breast cancer, chances are you may have had a friend, family member, or acquaintance who has battled the disease.Statistics show that one in eight women in the United States can expect to be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime.“Finding it at an early stage increases the chances for effective treatment and patient survival,” says LaJuana Fuller, director of Women’s Imaging at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.While there isn’t a sure way to prevent it, here are four things women can do to help reduce their risk and increase the odds of it being detected at an early, more treatable stage.1. Know Your RiskA family history puts you at an increased risk for the disease. Learn your family health history and share that information with your doctor.2. Get ScreenedWomen of average risk should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40, as recommended by the American College of Radiology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This has been shown to save the most lives from breast cancer. \u00a0Just as with any medical advice, a woman should discuss the risks and benefits of screening with her doctor. \u00a0Women of higher risk should consider starting at an earlier age. If you’re at a higher risk, ask your doctor about the screening tests and frequency that’s right for you.3. Check Yourself“We strongly encourage breast self-awareness for women of all ages,” says Ms. Fuller. “If you know how your breasts normally look and feel, you’re more likely to notice a change.”Statistics show that 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are found by women who feel a lump, often times during a regular activity like bathing or dressing. Most breast changes aren’t cancer.If you do notice any of the following breast changes, be sure to call your doctor:Lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm areaSwelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breastChange in the size or shape of the breastDimpling or puckering of the skinItchy, scaly, sore rash on the nipplePulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breastNipple discharge that starts suddenlyNew pain in one spot that doesn’t go away4. Make Healthy Lifestyle ChoicesA study by the National Institutes of Health showed that women who followed a healthy lifestyle \u2014 getting regular exercise, limiting their alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy body weight \u2014 lowered their risk by 25 percent.For more information on breast cancer and prevention, visit the Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC online or schedule an appointment, call 1-866-MyMagee (696-2433).Editor's Note: This gallery was originally published on October 24, 2014, and was last reviewed on May 26, 2022.SourcesAmerican Cancer Society.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  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