October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to breastcancer.org, 1 out of every 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime. 1 in 8. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is 1 in 1,000. The first recorded case of breast cancer was found in 1600 BC in ancient Egypt (www.maurerfoundation.org). With the advances in medicine and detection, cancers of the breast have the capacity to be found earlier, and there are more options for treatment. Here are some ways that you can keep an eye on your health. 

Family History 

Understand your family’s medical history. Is there a history of breast cancer, or any other cancer, within your family? If someone in your family had cancer, there is a greater chance that you could develop the disease. It is important to not only understand your family’s cancer background, but you must also know what stage they were in and what treatment was sought.  Ask your family if they know anyone in their lineage that had cancer, and ask if anyone had cancer more than once or in two different areas of the body.  

Self Exam 

There are people who will tell you that you need to examine your breasts once a month, and there are others who say this method is ineffectual. The important thing here is that sometimes your significant other can feel a change in your tissue before you do. This can pertain to men or women. If a change is felt, it is important to see your doctor to discuss the change that was found. There is no harm in examining your breasts once per month if you feel better doing this. There are shower cards that can be picked up to show you the proper technique.  

Mammogram 

If there is a history of breast cancer in your family or a strong cancer background, you will most likely need to start having regular mammograms at an earlier age than is recommended. You also might need to have a mammogram more than once per year. If you’ve had an abnormal mammogram, you might need to have them more often as well so that the doctor can keep an eye on the area of concern. 

Lifestyle 

Making sure you maintain the proper weight, remaining active and eating healthy are steps that you can take to reduce your cancer risk. You can help your family on the road to fitness by setting a good example. It is important to keep an eye on your family to notice changes and to check yourself regularly as well.