It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and TriCounty Health Department is urging locals to get educated and know your risk. According to TriCounty nursing director Nicole Smith, outside of skin cancer, breast cancer is the leading cancer in women in the United States and it does not only affect women. A piece of advice for everyone, when it comes to screening, it’s the earlier the better. Breast cancer can occur at any age but the risk goes up as you get older. It’s important to know your risk. Talk to members of your family to learn if there is a family history. Be sure to get screened. Starting at age 40, women should get a mammogram every year if at average risk and sooner if you are high risk. Know what is normal for you and see a doctor if you notice changes like lumps, swelling, redness, change in size or shape, or new pain in one spot that doesn’t go away. Finally, emphasizes Smith, make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk.
