October 2022
Breast Cancer Awareness
As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Keep reading to learn more about breast cancer, mammograms, self-exams, risk factors, and prevention methods. If you are a survivor of breast cancer we want to hear your story! Click on the button below to share your personal experience with breast cancer to help encourage and inspire others who may be facing a similar situation.
1 in 8 Women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime*
42,000 Women die from breast cancer each year*
30% Of women are NOT up to date with screening recommendations*
50 yrs Or older is when most women are diagnosed with breast cancer*
*From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & National Breast Cancer Foundation
Signs & Symptoms
It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of breast cancer in order to help prevent it.
Some signs and symptoms are:
- Swelling of all or part of a breast
- Skin dimpling
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened
- Nipple discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone
Use this breast cancer symptom checklist to monitor your body and contact your physician if you notice any changes.
Risk Factors
The following factors increase the likelihood of you developing breast cancer.
Know the risk factors
Being Assigned-Female-At-Birth
Know the risk factors
Getting Older
Know the risk factors
Having a Genetic Mutation
Know the risk factors
Your Reproductive History
Know the risk factors
Your Family History
Know the risk factors
Having a Sedentary Lifestyle
Know the risk factors
Being Exposed to Radiation Therapy
Know the risk factors
Being Overweight
How Do I Reduce My Risk?
Throughout your life, many factors can influence your breast cancer risk. Some factors are out of our control, such as getting older or your family history. However, you can help lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health in the following ways:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Breastfeeding your children, if possible
- Talking to your doctor if you have taken or been told to take hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives
- Talking to your doctor if you have a family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes
Screenings
Another way to reduce your risk is to get regular mammograms or breast exams. Read below to learn more.
screening
Mammograms
Regular mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage, where treatment is most successful. Learn more about how often you should get one!
Resource
Schedule A Mammogram
Now you know how often to get a mammogram. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a mammogram below.
Screening
Breast Exams
A breast exam can be done in a clinical setting or by yourself. Learn how to conduct a self-breast exam.
Resource
Schedule A Breast Exam
Are you concerned about a potential lump? Find a provider to schedule your breast exam below.
Types Of Breast Cancer
Curious about the various types of breast cancer? Click each of the blocks below to learn more.
What is it?
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
What is it?
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
What is it?
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
What is it?
Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
What is it?
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
What is it?
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
What is it?
Metastatic Breast Cancer
What is it?
Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
Additional Resources
resource
Breast Cancer Fact Sheet
This fast facts sheet from the CDC explores more information about breast cancer and ways you can help prevent it.
resource
Breast Cancer Podcast
Brought to you by the CDC, listen and learn about varying breast cancer topics. Topics range from personal survivor stories to answering listeners’ questions and more!
resource
Breast Cancer Informational Videos
Looking to learn more? Watch an informational video on varying breast cancer topics, including treatment plans and specific risk factors.
Share Your Story
Survivor Stories
Are you a survivor of breast cancer? We want to hear your story!
Survivor Stories
More Blog Posts
Our Wellness Team at the 2025 Annual Wellness…
Last month, our team had the opportunity to attend the Annual Wellness Summit, hosted by the Wellness Alliance in Austin, Texas. Known as one of the…
2025 Flu Campaign Info
Become a UF Health Flu-Free MVP when you choose to stay in the game by getting your flu shot this season. This year’s campaign is from Sept…
Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness
why is toy safety Important?December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness MonthDecember is the biggest gift-giving month in the world. Holiday shopping…
