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Each October we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month – an annual reminder to educate ourselves about the risk factors and symptoms of the disease and take preventative measures to reduce our chance of diagnosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 200,000 women get breast cancer every year in the United States, and over 42,000 die from the disease. While breast cancer affects men too, it is the second most common cancer found in American women, and those over the age of 50 or with a family history of the disease are especially at risk.

However, thanks to increased awareness, education and preventative screenings, many women are catching breast cancer in its early stages.

While it’s normal for breasts to change in size and texture throughout your lifetime, especially with breastfeeding and menopause, there are some signs to be aware of that may point to cancer. One of the most tell-tale indicators is a lump or mass in the breast, but other symptoms include nipple discharge; nipple inversion (turning inward); pain in the breast or nipple; redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin; skin irritation; and swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt).

While it’s important to keep these risk factors and symptoms in mind, screenings – including a breast self-exam, clinical exam by your doctor and mammogram – are key to detecting the cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable.

Breast Self-Exam

Part of a breast self-exam is understanding how your breasts feel normally, so if a change does occur, you can identify and address it quickly. Additionally, Inspira offers a quick, online breast cancer risk assessment and Inspira Insight – a high risk cancer surveillance program – to assess your risk for breast cancer and other hereditary diseases from the comfort of your home.

Clinical Exam by a Doctor

In addition to regular self-exams, be sure to set up an annual physical to receive a clinical exam performed by your doctor as well.

3-D Mammography

While knowing the signs of breast cancer can be lifesaving, many women with the disease don’t show any symptoms. One of the best ways to detect abnor-malities and improve early detection is a mammogram. At Inspira, we use 3-D technology for mammograms which provides more detailed images of breast tissue, helps clearly identify lumps or masses that may require additional testing, and provides more precise diagnoses. All women between the ages of 45-54 should receive mammograms annually, but you can begin as early as age 40 or earlier depending on your family history.