October 22, 2022 Issue, Page 20 of 22

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8B October 22, 2022 st Early detection means finding the cancer before it spreads. Breast 2. WELL-WOMAN EXAM cancer cannot be prevented, but early detection provides the greatest possibility of successful treatment. By following these three steps, It is recommended that women visit their family physician you will help increase your chance of detecting breast cancer early. or gynecologist each year for a Well-Woman Exam. In addition to a routine pelvic exam and pap smear, 1, BREAST SELF-AWARENESS the doctor may perform a brief breast exam to check Breast self-awareness can help you become familiar with for abnormalities. The Well-Woman Exam is a great how your breasts normally look and feel. Knowing this will opportunity for you to discuss with your health care help you identify any changes in your breasts that should provider any questions or concerns you have regarding be reported to your health care professional promptly. your breast health. For example, your doctor may help If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your you determine the most appropriate personalized doctor, but don’t panic - most lumps are not cancer. frequency for your early detection steps. Changes to look for include: * A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area 3. MAMMOGRAM * Achange in the size or shape of the breast In its early stages, breast cancer doesn’t usually cause * Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast symptoms. NBCF recommends that women ages 40 and + Anipple turned inward into the breast older get a mammogram every year. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is a safe way to detect cancerous Discharge (fluid) from the nipple tumors and other abnormal breast conditions, and women Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or who have screening mammograms have a lower chance areola (the dark area of skin at the center of the of dying from breast cancer than women who do not have breast) screening mammograms. Mammograms can detect cancer or other problems before a lump becomes large enough You should see your health care provider about any of to be detected by touch. They provide an effective way these symptoms. Often these symptoms are not due to find breast cancer in its early stages when treatment is to cancer, but if you notice any changes in your body, tell your health care provider immediately so that the usually the most successful. Mammograms are considered problems can be diagnosed and treated. safe, quick, and relatively painless. reas AWARENESS sawes lives! MONTH Don’t Be A Statistic Do your at home checks and schedule your annual manmoguans. lanning 980-225-6554 Web iil' 3918 N. Van Buren A Supply, £-L-£- One of the largest metal Elk City, OK 73644 suppliers between OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com