Susan G. Komen for the Cure Recommends That You:

1. Know your risk.

• Talk to your family about your family health history.
• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer.

2. Get screened.

• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk.
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk.
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40.

3. Know what is normal for you.

• Know how your breasts look and feel and report changes to your health care provider right away.

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce your risk of breast cancer, such as:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Add exercise into your routine.
• Limit alcohol intake. 

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without the usual controls on cell death and cell division.

The signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. In fact, some women have no signs that they can see. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away: 

• A lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• Change in breast size or shape 
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin 
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple 
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast 
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly 
• New pain in one spot

For more information, please read the Breast Facts PDF or click here.