October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 
Do you know that 1 in 8 Women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their lifetime.  It is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women. As women we must be proactive in our health.

• It is recommended that women of all ages preform regular monthly Self Breast Exams.
• Mammograms/Ultrasounds sound be performed year starting at the age of 40.
• Know your family history
• Speak with your healthcare provider about your personal risk.
• Know what to look for:
  • Lump, hard knot, thickening inside the breast or underarm
  • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of breast
  • Change in size or shape of breast
  • Dimpling or puckering of skin
  • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on nipple
  • Pulling in of your nipple of other parts of your breast
  • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
  • New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away.

Make healthy lifestyle choices, liking maintaining a healthy weight, adding exercise to your daily routine, limit alcohol and limiting postmenopausal hormone use, avoiding tobacco use, limiting birth control usage.

Speak with your healthcare professional about your risks and any concerns you may have.  Be the leader of your health care.

References:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/lifestyle-related-breast-cancer-risk-factors.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/what-is-breast-cancer