One of the most important factors about Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the fact that it brings to light the absolute need for consistent testing. When breast cancer is detected early in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 98%, according to the National Cancer Institute. This is huge! So if you haven’t been getting regular testing, don’t waste another minute and set up an appointment with your doctor. This is your call to set up a plan for early testing and prevention. Read ahead to find out more.
BCA Month: Regular Testing
Test yourself – Once a month, give yourself a breast exam. This will help you determine if there are any changes to your regular physical state (lumps, bumps) that you can follow up with your doctor. Here’s a guide to how you can perform your breast exam at home.
See your doctor – During your annual exam, which you should be consistent about, your doctor can also give you a breast exam in her office to determine any irregularities, lumps, and physical changes.
Get a mammogram – Visit your doctor and ask about a mammogram, an x-ray that can often show a lump before it can even be felt, a major stride in early detection.
Create a plan – Considering how busy life can get, it’s essential to have a reminder set in place for tests and doctor’s appointment. Create your own testing plan to remind you to get all of these preventative measures performed regularly. Click here to start.
