Commit to Yourself: Prioritize Breast Health.

You’ve probably heard them on the news or read about them on the internet: Terms like “self-care” and “self-love” have increased in popularity over the past few years, and they’re not just a trend. The concept of self-care refers to taking steps that improve your physical, mental, and emotional health, and it’s a crucial part of maintaining your wellbeing.

To be clear, self-care is not selfish—in fact, it’s the opposite. By prioritizing your health, you’re making a commitment to help yourself and your loved ones. You’ll be better prepared to handle work stress, your child’s illness, or any other events that life sends your way. And, since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, now is the perfect time to prove your commitment to self-care. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Prioritize Breast Health

What does it mean to make breast health a priority? For women, it means taking the time to learn more about breast cancer, taking it seriously, and getting screened. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the one of the most common in American women (second only to skin cancers). One in eight women, on average, will develop breast cancer at some point in her life—so you likely know someone who’s been affected by it.

Protecting yourself against breast cancer shows strength and self-love, and it’s a step you can take today. Start with a breast self-exam: use your eyes and hands to determine the look and feel of your breasts, and whether anything new or abnormal has appeared. By performing regular self-exams, you’ll know what’s normal for your body and if/when anything has changed.

To Schneck, prioritizing breast health means meeting you where you are with the best possible care. Our Breast Health Program offers specialized imaging technologists, certified nurse navigators, and top physicians to assist you with everything from diagnosis to follow-up services. Our goal is to help you be well and to get there as quickly as possible.

2. Know the Signs

Committing to self-care also means knowing what to look for and when to be concerned about your health. The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. These lumps can vary from painless, hard, and irregular to tender, soft, and round. Any new mass should be immediately checked by a healthcare professional.

Other signs and symptoms of breast cancer could be:

• Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if you don’t feel a lump)
• Skin dimpling (this can look like an orange peel)
• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• Swollen lymph nodes

If you notice any of these signs, either alone or in combination, schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. These signs are not always due to breast cancer, but could still be a sign that something is wrong. Schneck has the staff and breast health capabilities to help determine possible causes and next steps.

3. Schedule Your Mammogram

Getting a mammogram is a simple and crucial step that could be life-saving. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that shows the breast’s internal structure and takes about 15 minutes. Our 3D mammography provides the latest technology in breast cancer screening, offering earlier detection and more peace of mind for you. Plus, they’re run by expert technicians who are committed to your comfort throughout the exam. After the results, you’ll be given clear next steps and helpful resources for whatever those might be.

At Schneck Medical Center, we get it: life is busy. But self-care should be a priority whether you’re working for a promotion, getting your degree, taking care of loved ones, or on any other path in life. You owe it to yourself and those around you to prioritize your own health. That’s why we make it as convenient as possible.

Prove your commitment to self-care and schedule your early breast cancer screening today.