Friday, October 16, 2026
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the second most common cancer among women in the United States, excluding skin cancers. Education can help people recognize warning signs, practice breast self-awareness and understand the vital importance of screening, evaluation and treatment.
1. Know the warning signs, catch breast cancer early
Breast cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may not experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages. The most common warning sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass that feels different from the surrounding breast tissue. Often, these lumps are painless.
Other warning symptoms include swelling in all or part of a breast, even if no lump is felt, swelling in the underarm area, nipples turning inward, nipple discharge, including blood, and skin dimpling, in which the skin takes on a texture resembling an orange peel. Changes in breast skin color may also warrant medical attention, and different skin tones can lead to different changes in color.
2. Understand the importance of breast self-awareness
Breast self-examinations can help people become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel. This practice, known as breast self-awareness, involves routine checks to spot changes that may require medical attention. Self-examinations can be performed in three positions: in the shower, in front of a mirror, and lying down.
In the shower, use the three middle fingers to check the entire breast and underarm area for lumps. In front of a mirror, inspect shape, skin texture, and nipple appearance with arms relaxed at the sides. Then, rest the palms firmly on the hips to flex the chest muscles. Finally, lying down, place one arm behind the head and use the opposite hand to thoroughly examine the breast and underarm area.
3. Possible treatment options available for patients
Breast cancer treatment depends on the cancer’s type and stage, one’s overall health, menopausal status and personal preferences. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, often used in combination.
For stages I through III, treatment typically involves surgery and may include radiation therapy and medication before or after the procedure to shrink tumors or reduce the risk of recurrence. Stage IV breast cancer occurs when the disease spreads beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver or brain. Although it is generally difficult to cure, treatment can help shrink tumors, relieve symptoms and more.
