October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Get involved in a great cause! October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 16 is National Mammography Day. There are many ways to get involved and support education and prevention efforts. Check these out:

• Checked your boobies lately? The monthly Breast Self Exam (BSE) is a great way to get to know your breasts! Start now, even if you think you’re too young (calling all 20-somethings). Knowing what is normal for your breasts can help you detect if there’s a problem later on.
• Clinical Breast Exams (those done by a healthcare provider) are recommended every 3 years for women ages 20-39 and annually for women 40 or older, unless other risk factors like family history of breast cancer are present. Check with your health care provider to see if you are at an increased risk for breast cancer and what screening options are best for you.
• Mammograms (x-rays of the breasts) are recommended annually for women 40 or older, unless other risk factors are present. Make sure to check with your health care provider about your risk.
• Remind your friends and family! Hand out BSE shower cards or send email reminders to people you know (remember, men can get breast cancer too). Advocate for early detection and screening.
  

To make an appointment with your local Planned Parenthood of Delaware for a clinical breast exam call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) or for more information about breast cancer, visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website.