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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a powerful reminder to stay informed, stay alert, and take charge of your health. At Remote Area Medical (RAM®), we highlight awareness months like this to encourage everyone to recognize the signs and reach out to a healthcare provider if something doesn’t feel right.
The pink ribbon associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month represents hope, strength, and support for those affected. Wearing the ribbon not only brings awareness to the cause, but also shows support, honors survivors, and is a sign of remembrance for those lost to the disease [American Cancer Society].
Early Detection Saves Lives!
Like many health issues, early detection is important for breast cancer treatment and can increase the likelihood of survival.
“When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%,” according to the American Cancer Society.
Self-examination, exams by a medical professional, and mammograms are all forms of early detection. Learn about the signs and symptoms to look for when conducting a self-examination.
Keep in mind, though rare, men can also get breast cancer. “About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man,” according to the CDC’s article About Breast Cancer in Men. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer are similar for men and women. Discuss any findings or changes with your doctor [Center for Disease Control (CDC)].
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Signs and Symptoms
Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial for early detection. Performing monthly breast self-exams will make it easier to identify changes in your breast. If you detect any of these abnormalities, please see a healthcare professional for evaluation.
Signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for [National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. and CDC]
- Changes in the look or feel of the breast or nipple
- Change in the breast or nipple appearance
- Any nipple discharge
- Pain in any area of the breast
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
If you have any signs or symptoms, this does not mean it is breast cancer. However, get any changes, signs, or symptoms evaluated by a healthcare professional when discovered.
Risk Factors
It is also important to know the risk factors for breast cancer [National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. and CDC]
- Gender
- Breast cancer occurs in women nearly 100 times more often than men
- Age
- Most breast cancer affects women 50 years old or older
- Family History or Genetic Factors
- If a direct relative of yours (mother, father, sister, or child) has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the future
How to lower your risk of breast cancer through environmental and lifestyle changes [National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. and CDC]
- Eat a healthy diet
- Aim for 3.5-5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day
- Stay active
- Even 20 minutes of physical activity a day can lower your risk factor
- Minimize alcohol consumption
Breast Examinations — Self, Clinical, and Mammograms
Breast Self-Exam
Adult women should complete a breast self-exam monthly. Checking for any of the signs and symptoms above is important to early diagnosis and treatment. It is important to report any abnormalities to your healthcare provider.
“Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important,” said the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Clinical Breast Exam
A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional who is trained to recognize abnormalities and warning signs. This exam often occurs during annual physical exams. This exam is in addition to a monthly self-exam; it is not a replacement. [National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.]
A clinical breast exam is another form of early detection, trying to catch any potential warning signs of breast cancer before they develop even further.
Medical professionals at RAM’s free clinics are able to provide Clinical Breast Exams for patients. All RAM Patients are able to receive medical care at a RAM Clinic.
Mammogram [National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.]
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. The results are examined by a specialist who’s trained to find any suspicious spots. Mammograms are the most effective way to identify breast cancer. Mammograms often find lumps before they can even be felt through a physical examination.
It is recommended that women 40 and older get an annual mammogram. Women under 40 years old who have risk factors, such as a significant family history of breast cancer, should speak to their healthcare provider to see if a mammogram is recommended earlier than 40.
Women 40 and older with no symptoms or risk factors should have regularly scheduled mammograms to detect any signs of breast cancer as early as possible.
RAM Clinics typically do not offer mammograms. Though some clinics may offer patients the opportunity to get a free mammogram at a later date. This is not available at all RAM Clinics, and quantities are limited. Please use this free resource to find a mammography facility near you.
Free or low-cost screenings for breast and cervical cancer are available for low-income, uninsured, or underinsured individuals. Learn more and see if you are eligible here. Find additional free mammography facilities by state through the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Additional Information to Know During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Click these links for additional information, including more in-depth signs and symptoms, breast cancer myths, additional information about screenings, educational guides, and FAQs.
If you have any concerns or are exhibiting any signs or symptoms, please speak to your healthcare provider or visit a RAM Clinic to speak to one of our healthcare professionals.
Learn More About RAM
Remote Area Medical provides free, quality, dental, medical, and vision care to those in need. We do not require ID or insurance, just show up to one of our clinics; we’ll take care of the rest!
Our clinics are staffed by generous volunteers who donate their time and expertise to serve their community. If you are a healthcare professional, or you’d like to be a general support volunteer, we would love to have you volunteer with us!
We do not charge our patients for their care. We also do not get any federal funding. RAM’s funding is through the support and generosity of people like you. If you would like to become part of our mission and help us serve tens of thousands of patients every year, please consider donating to our cause.
You can make your impact go even further by becoming a monthly donor. Set it up once and forget about it, it’s that easy!
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If you enjoyed this blog post, I bet you’d like our others too! Check out our blog. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is just one of the many awareness months we talk about throughout the year.
Our magazine is free to download! Have you downloaded it yet?
There’s a new way to support RAM through shopping at Walmart. Choose Walmart as your charity of choice in Walmart’s Spark Good Program and round up your change as a donation.
Calling all Knoxville and Blount County locals! Eat Chipotle and support RAM. On November 18th from 5-9 p.m., eat at the Chipotle in Alcoa and show this flyer. RAM gets 25% of sales!
We hope to see you there!
