Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Importance of Self-Exams and Early Detection

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women, and each October we acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At NuBody Concepts, we understand the importance of breast health. This is a chance for us to empower others to learn about and heal their bodies. It’s time to educate ourselves on the significance of regular self-examinations and mammograms in the early detection of breast cancer. Our compassionate and caring staff works with men and women to rejuvenate their appearance throughout life’s many seasons. Everyone should feel confident and beautiful in their body, and we are here to help. To celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we invite you to “Bring Your Breast Friend.” In October, you can bring a friend to our Nashville or Memphis cosmetic surgery center for a breast consultation, and you both will receive $500 off your breast surgery.

What Month Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Since 1985, the US has acknowledged the significant losses associated with breast cancer. Every October, we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote awareness of this dreadful disease and to promote screening and prevention. Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States annually and 2.3 million women worldwide. It also affects men, and BreastCancer.org estimates that more than 2,700 men will be diagnosed with the disease this year; however, the stigma of breast cancer in men becomes a barrier to detection and care.

October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness of the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Many organizations and charities hold events in October to raise awareness and fund breast cancer research. The month elicits different emotions for each of us—some are ready to celebrate their own or a loved one’s recovery, while others prefer to quietly observe the month out of respect for those who have lost their lives. We hope you will use this month as a reminder for your self-evaluation and preventative care.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Unfortunately, the two main risk factors are being a woman and growing older. However, you can take steps to reduce other risk factors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and lack of exercise. It is important to note that about 85% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of breast cancer. These cancers arise due to genetic mutations resulting from aging and lifestyle factors rather than inherited mutations. This is why early detection is so important—the sooner you know about your breast cancer, the sooner you can get on the defensive to take care of it.

How to Detect Breast Cancer Early

The best way to detect breast cancer early is to perform regular self-examinations and mammograms. Self-examinations should be performed once a month starting at age 20. In addition, women should begin to have annual mammograms by age 40, with some recommendations starting earlier.

Performing regular breast self-examinations is a fundamental part of early detection. You can complete these exams in the comfort of your own home, and they help you become more familiar with your breast tissue. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a monthly self-examination:

Choose a Consistent Time: Set aside a specific day each month to perform your self-examination. This consistency will make it easier to track changes over time.
Use the Right Technique: Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Examine your breasts for any size, shape, or skin texture changes. Look for dimpling, puckering, or redness.
Raise Your Arms: Raise your arms overhead and inspect your breasts in the mirror again, focusing on the same criteria.
Check While Lying Down: Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Use your left hand to examine your right breast. Use a circular motion to feel for any lumps or abnormalities. Repeat the process for your left breast.
Feel Your Breasts While Standing: Finally, stand up and use the same circular motion with your fingers to examine your breasts. It’s essential to cover the entire breast, from the collarbone down to the ribcage and from the armpit to the breastbone.
Check the Nipples: Don’t forget to examine your nipples for any unusual discharge or changes in direction.

If you notice anything unusual during your self-examination, such as a lump, skin changes, or nipple discharge, do not hesitate. Contact your healthcare provider immediately to schedule an appointment. Remember, not all lumps are cancerous, but it’s crucial to have any changes evaluated by a medical professional.

What Does Breast Cancer Feel Like on a Self-Exam?

During a self-examination, you should look for any lumps, changes in the shape or size of your breasts, or changes in the skin or nipples. If you notice anything unusual, you should contact your doctor immediately. When you call your doctor to schedule your appointment, tell them about your self-evaluation and the irregularity you found. Ensure they know you need to schedule your appointment as early as possible.

Breast cancer can present itself in different ways, so it is important to be vigilant and seek medical attention if you notice any changes.

Why Is Breast Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Important?

Breast cancer screening and early diagnosis are essential because they can improve patient outcomes. When breast cancer is detected early, it is easier to treat and has a higher chance of being cured. Regular screenings and self-examinations can help detect breast cancer before it can spread.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Bring Your Breast Friend

At NuBody Concepts, we are committed to promoting breast health. To bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are offering a special promotion during the month of October: Bring Your Breast Friend. This promotion allows you to bring a friend for a breast consultation in October, and you both will receive $500 off your breast surgery. We offer an array of breast-related surgeries:

Breast Augmentation: A surgical procedure to increase or enhance the size and shape of breasts using implants.
Breast Lift: A procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.
Breast Reduction: A surgery to reduce the size and weight of breasts by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin.
Male Breast Reduction: Also known as gynecomastia surgery, this is a procedure to reduce the size of enlarged male breasts by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin.

At NuBody Concepts, we understand breast cancer’s impact on a patient’s life. We encourage you to commit to regular self-evaluations and schedule your mammogram today. If you want to learn more about our various breast surgeries, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. You can also view our before and after photos to see the amazing results that we have achieved for our patients. Together, we can raise awareness about the importance of breast health and promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer.