A staggering one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetimes. When breast cancer is detected early, five-year survival rates are over 90 percent. That is why it is so important to practice these four basics of “breast self-awareness” on a regular basis.

1. Know Your Normal

Conduct a breast self-exam for breast awareness.  Check out the look and feel of your breasts to get to know your “normal”. Look at and touch your breast tissue from multiple angles with varying pressure to feel both the deep and surface layers. Don’t forget that your breast tissue extends up your collarbone, around to your armpits, and into your breastbone. Then, you can check in with your breasts regularly to make sure what you see and feel still aligns with your “normal.”

2. Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Get familiar with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer so that you can stay alert  to changes in your breasts or other symptoms you are experiencing.

3. Find Out your Family Health History and Hereditary Risk

Learn what patterns in your family health history could mean that you have a higher personal risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Get tips about how to start the conversation with family members about health history.  You can also Assess Your Risk through this quick quiz and receive a personalized plan of action. As necessary, you can also seek out genetic testing and counseling.  

4. Live Healthy

Do your best to live healthy by eating well, moving more, not smoking, and limiting alcohol. All of these healthy behaviors can reduce your risk for breast cancer.

You deserve to be healthy and well! Take the time to take care of yourself because you’re worth it!