JessicaInSeattle

October is breast cancer awareness month! <br><br> Remember to make your appointment for a clinical breast exam every three years if you are in your 20s or 30s, do your self breast exams monthly, and schedule that mammogram every year if you are over the age of 40! <br><br> Donating to the cause is not enough! <br><br> Remember to take steps to discover cancers early and remind your mothers, sisters, grandmothers, daughters, friends, coworkers, employees , cousins, aunts, nieces, spouses and girlfriends to do their breast exams and schedule appointments for screenings as well. <br><br> Be aware of the following symptoms and don't wait to make an appointment as early detection is key: <br><br> The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A mass that is painless, hard, and has irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but breast cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded. For this reason, it is important that any new mass, lump, or breast change is checked by a health care professional with experience in diagnosing breast diseases. <br><br> Other possible signs of breast cancer include: <br><br> * swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt)<br> * skin irritation or dimpling<br> * breast or nipple pain<br> * nipple retraction (turning inward)<br> * redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin<br> * a nipple discharge other than breast milk<br> <br> Sometimes a breast cancer can spread to underarm lymph nodes and cause a lump or swelling there, even before the original tumor in the breast tissue is large enough to be felt. Swollen lymph nodes should also be reported to your doctor.

Thanks for all the wonderful comments everyone! Much appreciated! <br> JessicaInSeattle