Remember that many symptoms of breast cancer are undetectable without a professional screening. However, the following symptoms can be observed when you monitor your breast health regularly:

• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Discharge or leakage from the nipple
• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in underarm area
• Red or swollen skin on the breast, nipple or areola
• Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast
• General pain in/on any part of the breast

Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics:
There are over 3.3 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.
Breastfeeding can lower your risk for breast cancer, especially if you breastfeed for longer that 1 year.

Scheduling Your Screening
Consult with your doctor to discuss a screening method most appropriate for you. Below you will find some breast cancer early detection methods:

• Breast Self-Awareness Exam: Regularly/Monthly from age 18+
• Well-Woman Exam: Yearly from   age 21+
• Mammogram: Yearly from age 40+

Common Types of Breast Cancer

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: non-invasive breast cancer where abnormal cells are contained in the lining of breast milk duct.
•  Lobular Carcinoma in Situ: breast change, not cancer. Cells that look like cancer cells are growing in the lobules of the milk-producing glands of the breast
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: abnormal cells that originated In the lining of the breast milk duct have invaded surrounding tissue; most common type
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: starts in the milk producing glands; can spread to other parts of the body

More resources:
National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC.
Susan G. Komen
CDC: Breast Cancer Awareness

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