Beautiful Blogging ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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As you most likely know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  As such, I thought I would dedicate this Beautiful Blogging post to some key points in maintaining our breast health.  Of course I am not a medical professional and I am in no way offering any medical advice.  I just thought I would pass along some information that may be helpful.  Any questions or concerns about your breast health should most certainly be discussed with your health care professional.

~I think you would have to live under a rock if you didn't know that mammograms should be done yearly on women over 40.  I know that there has been some discussion about the benefit of women under 50 having mammograms but the best thing to do is speak with your doctor.  The guidelines have not changed as far as I can determine.  Click here to read more about mammograms.  While they are a tad uncomfortable, they are an awesome diagnostic tool and should not be disregarded.  A mammogram can detect changes even before you can feel the changes.

~It is important not to dismiss any changes in your breasts.  Of course we know that a lump may be indicative of a problem but look for other changes too.  A rash, changes in the nipple and other symptoms may also indicate a problem that you should speak with your doctor about.  Click here to read more about symptoms.

~It is essential to complete a breast self-exam so that you are familiar with your breasts in terms of texture, size, and skin condition.  Exams should be done at least monthly and should be done a few days after your period.  Even if you have gone through menopause, exams need to be completed each month.  Click here for a great guide on examining your breasts correctly.  Click here for a free print out on Breast Self-Exam.

~Click here to read about potential risk factors in breast cancer from the Susan G. Koman Foundation site. 

Please be sure and take care of your breast health!  It doesn't consume that much time and when detected early, survival rates are much higher.

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Jacalyn