Get Your Breast Exam Today

Date: 10/23/23

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to the American Cancer Society website, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in American women. Early detection and treatment methods have improved over time and have increased the survival rate of breast cancer.

It is not clear what causes breast cancer. However, people who have a family history of cancer, are obese or smoke are more at risk of getting breast cancer. People who have breast cancer usually have a lump on their breast or near their armpit. Other symptoms include:

• Irritation of the skin,
• Pain and redness, or
• Flaky skin near the nipple

Early detection starts at home. Your doctor can give you a demonstration on how to properly do a self-exam of your breast. Getting a mammogram is the best way to detect early breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of your breast. Women 40 years and older should talk to their doctor about how often they should get mammograms. To learn more about breast cancer screenings and mammograms, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

If you need help finding a clinic to get an exam, Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has programs that fund clinics across the state where women can get a breast exam and mammogram at no cost.

For more information, watch Superior’s Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer video. You can also call Member Services using Superior's Phone Directory.