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Mammograms and Beyond: How Early Breast Cancer Detection and Self-Examination Can be Life-Saving for Latinas

Over the last decades, scientific advances have helped women detect breast cancer early. Still, this is one of the most common and aggressive cancers, with numbers from the American Cancer Society showing that by 2024, there could be 310,720 new cases.

Even more alarming, among Latinas, financial, language, and educational barriers create a gap in access to early detection.

This October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the National Breast Cancer Foundation is changing the game for Latinas. The “Ama a Tu Familia Amándote Primero” campaign encourages women to prioritize their health for their families.

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Beyond prevention methods, the campaign aims to promote early detection, education, and supportive services that empower women to take control of their health.

Schedule a mammogram and other preventive tests

According to the NBCF, women who are 40 and older should have mammograms every one or two years. Younger women with a history of breast cancer can consult their healthcare provider on the best course of treatment for them.

Even if a woman isn’t experiencing symptoms, regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer as early as possible. The NBCF notes that when caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%.

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For women who don’t have access to healthcare or funds, the National Mammography Program helps patients get access to free care. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer access to breast cancer screening services to underserved women in all 50 states through their National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection program.

Conduct monthly breast self-exams

One of the most accessible early detection tools is the breast self-exam. This tool uses physical and visual examinations of the breasts to check for signs of breast cancer. You will also gain breast self-awareness that will help identify changes or abnormalities in your breasts.

Adult women are encouraged to perform self-exams monthly, preferably after their menstrual cycles. Post-menopausal women should perform the tests during the first fifteen days of the month. Here are three ways to perform a thorough self-exam on your breasts.

In the shower: Take the flat part of your three middle fingers and, raising one arm behind your head, check the entire breast and armpit area. Press down with increasing pressure levels, checking both breasts for lumps, hardened knots or other changes.

In front of a mirror: Visually check your breasts with both arms by your side. Check for changes in shape, contour, swelling, or dimpling. Also, notice changes to the nipples. Then, with your palms on your hips, flex your chest muscles for noticeable changes.

Lying down: Place a pillow under your right shoulder, then the left. Place the arm with the pillow behind your head. With the opposite hand, move the pads of your three middle fingers around the breasts, checking for changes. Squeeze the nipples for signs of discharge.

Take control of your health and raise awareness on breast cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, certain lifestyle choices can reduce your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a healthy diet and limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption can make a difference.

It’s time to take care of your health and prioritize wellness. If you or someone you know needs support, contact the NBCF to access life-saving resources.

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