October is the official month of Breast Cancer awareness. Sometimes called ‘Pinktober,’ you may be seeing more pink Breast Cancer awareness ribbons this month, as they signal awareness, support and solidarity of those affected by the disease, either by having breast cancer or supporting a loved one 

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign that aims to spread awareness about breast cancer through a multitude of platforms. The main points of breast cancer awareness month are:

• To raise awareness about breast cancer.
• To raise funds for research and treatment.
• Promote early detection through regular screenings and self exams. 

Why it Matters:

Since the first campaign, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has increased awareness and early detection have helped reduce breast cancer death rates in the United States by 44% since 1989. Breast Cancer affects women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds and education and awareness is the best way to ensure everyone has access to all the information and resources regarding Breast cancer. 

Well Supported Family by Nightingales has always believed in supporting all families and helping to gently guide and educate them throughout all walks of life. From breastfeeding parents to those beginning their parenting journey, we know how important it is to help spread awareness.

8 Early Signs of  Breast Cancer:

One of the main goals of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to educate people about signs and symptoms of breast cancer, in order to catch them early. Signs of Breast Cancer include: 

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.

These symptoms can be the first signs of breast cancer, and you should contact your doctor immediately to schedule a screening if you notice any of these issues. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Facts:

The following facts are available in full on breastcancer.org, 

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. Each year, about 32% of all newly diagnosed cancers in women are breast cancer.
• In 2025, approximately 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, with 59,080 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is non-invasive.
• About 16% of women with breast cancer are younger than 50 years of age.
• About 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage — before cancer has spread outside of the breast — when treatments tend to work better.
• Female breast cancer incidence rates have been slowly increasing since the mid-2000s, largely driven by diagnoses of localized-stage and hormone receptor-positive disease.
• There are currently more than four million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.

3 Common options for Breast Cancer Screening

Mammogram Screening:

An X-ray exam that is primarily used on women between the ages of 40 and 72. It is performed every 1-2 years. Many women will have heard the dreaded tales of having your boobs squished in a machine, this is that fun test! Though uncomfortable, mammograms are the best non-invasive way of screening for breast cancer. 

Clinical Exam: 

This exam is performed by your doctor manually, often at your yearly physical. They will check your breast for lumps, changes in breast tissue and any other issues. If your doctor does not perform one, you can simply ask them to take a look to help check for any signs of breast cancer. 

Breast Self Exam:

Performing self exams on your breasts is a great way to work checking for abnormalities into your life. Doing this every few months can help with early detection. 

Familiarize yourself with your breasts:

This may sound silly, but get to know your boobs. We might think that we know them well, as they’re attached to us (some people even name them), but can you spot your boobs in a lineup? Knowing exactly what your boobs look like from all angles and how they feel is extremely helpful for breast cancer prevention. 

Visual breast inspection: 

Stand with your hands on your hips while looking into a mirror and look for any changes in size, shape or appearance. You should also look for any redness, lumps, dimples, swelling or discharge from the nipples. 

Palpation:

Starting at the outer edge of your breast, work your way towards your nipple using the pads of your three middle fingers.  Use different pressures to look for any lumps, nodules or thickening. Examining under the armpits and below the collarbones as well. 

Different Positions:

Though it is typical to do the self exam standing up in the mirror or in the shower, take the opportunity to check while laying down with your arm above your head. This can make it easier to check your breasts while the tissue is spread in different positions.

Early Breast Cancer Detection is Key to Treatment

Finding breast cancer early is key. Early detection leads to better survival rates and less aggressive treatments. Many people associate cancer with chemotherapy and radiation, but both may not be needed if the cancer is detected early enough. 

How to Participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

• Look for local events such as fundraising events or walks.
• Get screened- many events will have free screenings or you can schedule one with your doctor. 
• Wear pink- it doesn’t have to be a ribbon, it can be anything! Spread awareness and help educate others on why early detection is so important. 

Now it’s your turn to make sure your voice is heard, and don’t forget, make sure to get to know your boobs and schedule a screening!