From Awareness to Action: Making a Plan for Breast Health

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn about breast health, support people with breast cancer, and make a plan for care. About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Anyone with breast tissue can get breast cancer. Knowing your risk and getting recommended screenings can help find cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

At Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX), we help people understand their breast health and get care. Our women’s health services include breast exams, risk assessments, and ordering breast imaging. Imaging takes place at outside facilities. Our providers review and explain the results and help plan any next steps.

Know what is normal for your breasts

A breast self-exam means looking at and feeling your breasts for changes. We encourage you to know how your breasts normally look and feel and tell our team about changes. You may notice them while bathing or getting dressed. Ask your provider to show you how to check your breasts.

Self-exams do not replace mammograms. Mammograms are the main screening test for breast cancer and can find changes before you feel a lump. Follow your recommended screening schedule even when you have no concerns. Depending on your age and risk, this may mean a mammogram every year or every two years.

Watch for:

• A new lump in your breast or armpit
• Swelling or a change in breast size or shape
• Any skin changes, including dimpling, thickening, flaking, or a change in color
• Any nipple changes, including turning inward
• Fluid from the nipple other than breast milk, especially blood
• New breast pain that does not go away

Most breast lumps are not cancer. Still, contact your provider promptly about a new change, even after a normal mammogram. Do not wait for your yearly visit.

How PHNTX supports your breast health

A well-woman exam focuses on preventive care and gives you time to discuss your health, family history, and concerns. Depending on your needs, it may include a breast exam, cervical cancer screening, or other health checks. During a breast exam, your provider checks for lumps, swelling, and skin or nipple changes.

PHNTX can review your risk, order breast imaging, and help coordinate getting your mammogram done. We explain your results and help connect you with more testing or specialist care when needed. A strong family history or certain inherited gene changes may mean you need screening earlier or more often.

What to expect during a mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. At the imaging center, a technologist places each breast between two plates. The plates press the breast briefly to get clear, detailed pictures. You may experience some brief discomfort during the imaging.

The visit usually takes about 30 minutes, and you can go home afterward. Some brief soreness may follow. Results may come later, so ask when to expect them.

Breast cancer can affect men too

Men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer. Fewer than 1 in 100 breast cancer cases in the United States occur in men.

Routine mammograms are generally not recommended for cisgender men, whose gender matches their male sex assigned at birth. Anyone with breast or chest changes should see a provider. Transgender men and others assigned female at birth should ask about screening based on their breast tissue, past surgery, and personal risk.

Ways to lower your risk

There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. Age and family history are factors you cannot change, but some habits may help lower your risk:

• Move regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking.
• Work toward a healthy weight. Extra body weight after menopause is linked to higher risk.
• Avoid or limit alcohol. For cancer prevention, it is best not to drink.
• Avoid smoking. If you smoke, ask our team for help quitting
• Discuss menopause hormones. Ask about the benefits, risks, and other options.

Keep up with recommended mammograms, too. Screening helps find cancer early; it does not prevent cancer from developing.

Make a plan for care

Call 214-521-5191 or visit PHNTX’s women’s health page to schedule an appointment.

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. Our sliding fee scale offers discounts based on household income and size. Eligible patients may qualify for Healthy Texas Women, which covers services at no cost, including breast and cervical cancer screenings, birth control, pregnancy testing, and screening and treatment for high blood pressure and diabetes. Ask about your options when scheduling.

This October, make time for your breast health and encourage loved ones to ask about screening. Our team can help you take the next step.