The American Cancer Society has named October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s the ideal time to make sure that you – and the ones you care about – are taking effective steps for early detection. They recommend that all U.S. women:

• Obtain yearly mammography screenings, beginning at age 40
• Obtain yearly clinical breast exams
• Check their breasts regularly for lumps
• Discuss their breast cancer risk with their physician

Breast cancer remains the #2 leading cause of death among U.S. women. But more than 2 million women in America are living healthy lives after having been treated for the disease. While rare, men are also at risk for developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that both men and women consult their physician if they notice any of the following warning signs:

• A new, hard lump or thickening in any part of the breast
• Change in breast size or shape
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Swelling, redness, or warmth that does not go away
• Recurrent pain in a particular part of the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly in one breast
• An itchy, sore, or scaly area on one nipple

For more information about breast cancer warning signs, talk with your health care provider and read Concentra’s flyer on Breast Cancer Screening.

You can also visit these Web sites:

• American Cancer Society
• National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• National Cancer Institute