Breast cancer awareness gets a lot of attention every October, but it’s something worth thinking about all year. Knowing what’s normal for your body, keeping up with recommended screenings, and recognizing when something needs a closer look are important steps in taking care of your health. And if someone close to you is diagnosed, knowing how to support them can make a difficult time a little easier.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. women after skin cancers. While a diagnosis can be frightening, early detection and advances in treatment have helped improve outcomes. Here are a few ways to stay informed about your own breast health and support someone you care about.
1. Know Your Body and Recognize Changes
One of the most important steps in breast health is knowing what is normal for your body. Breasts naturally change with age, hormone changes, pregnancy, and menopause. Becoming familiar with their usual appearance and feel can help you recognize changes that warrant medical attention.
Although routine breast self-exams are not an effective standalone screening method for people at average risk, breast self-awareness remains important. You don’t need to follow a rigid examination routine to pay attention to your health.
Be aware of changes such as:
A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
A change in breast size, shape, or appearance.
Dimpling, puckering, redness, or other changes in the skin.
A nipple that turns inward or changes in appearance.
Unusual nipple discharge, particularly if it occurs without squeezing.
Persistent pain in one area of the breast.
A lump isn’t necessarily cancer, and breast pain is often caused by something other than cancer. However, any new or unusual breast change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, even if you recently had a normal mammogram.
2. Stay Up to Date on Recommended Screenings
Mammograms remain one of the most important tools for detecting breast cancer early, sometimes before a lump or other symptom develops.
Screening recommendations vary somewhat among medical organizations, and the right schedule depends on your age, medical history, and individual risk.
For people at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years from ages 40 through 74. The American Cancer Society offers a different schedule: annual mammograms are an option beginning at age 40, are recommended annually from ages 45 through 54, and can move to every other year beginning at age 55, with the option to continue annually.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which screening schedule makes sense for you.
You may need a different approach if you have certain risk factors, including:
A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
An inherited genetic variant, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
A personal history of breast cancer or certain high-risk breast conditions.
Previous radiation treatment to the chest at a young age.
Depending on your risk, your provider may recommend earlier screening, more frequent mammograms, or additional imaging, such as breast MRI.
It’s also worth discussing breast density with your provider. Dense breast tissue can make some cancers harder to detect on a mammogram and is itself associated with increased breast cancer risk. Additional screening may be appropriate for some people, depending on their overall risk and individual circumstances.
3. Support Loved Ones Through Diagnosis and Treatment
When someone you care about receives a breast cancer diagnosis, you might wonder what to say or how to help. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, offering too much advice, or not doing enough.
Remember that you don’t have to find the perfect words or solve the problem. Often, the most meaningful support comes from listening, being present, and offering help.
Ask What They Need
Everyone experiences a cancer diagnosis differently. Some people want to talk openly about their feelings, while others prefer to maintain their usual routines and focus on everyday life.
Rather than assuming what would help, ask.
You might say, “I’m here for you. Would you like to talk, or would it help more if we did something together?”
Give your loved one room to express fear, frustration, sadness, or even humor without feeling that they need to protect your feelings. Let them guide the conversation and respect their wishes if they don’t want to discuss their diagnosis.
Offer Specific, Practical Help
Cancer treatment can bring a long list of appointments, medications, side effects, and scheduling challenges. Even everyday responsibilities can become exhausting.
Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” offer something specific.
For example, you could:
Bring dinner one night a week.
Drive them to an appointment or treatment session.
Help with grocery shopping, errands, or household chores.
Pick up prescriptions or other necessities.
Help coordinate transportation or meal deliveries with friends and family.
Spend time together doing something they enjoy.
Specific offers make it easier for someone to accept help without organizing it themselves.
Be flexible, too. Treatment schedules and energy levels can change, so an offer that works one week might not work the next.
Listen Without Trying to Fix Everything
It’s natural to want to reassure someone you love. However, comments such as “Everything will be fine” or “You have to stay positive” can unintentionally make someone feel that difficult emotions aren’t welcome.
Instead, acknowledge what they’re experiencing.
Try saying, “I can only imagine how difficult this is. I’m here to listen whenever you need me.”
You don’t need to have all the answers. Avoid comparing their experience with someone else’s cancer journey or offering unsolicited treatment advice. Every diagnosis and treatment plan is different.
Sometimes, simply sitting together, sharing a meal, or allowing a loved one to talk without interruption is enough.
Remember That Support Doesn’t End with Treatment
People often rally around someone immediately after a diagnosis, but cancer treatment can last months or longer. The emotional and physical effects may continue after treatment ends, too.
Keep checking in throughout the process. Remember important appointments, offer continued help, and make space for conversations about both the difficult days and the ordinary moments.
Also, recognize that your loved one may not always have the energy to respond to messages or accept invitations. Continue to let them know you’re thinking about them without making them feel obligated to respond.
And if you’re supporting someone through treatment, remember to care for yourself, too. Supporting a loved one can be emotionally demanding, and taking breaks or asking others to share responsibilities can help you remain present over time.
Turning Awareness Into Action
Taking care of yourself includes keeping up with health screenings and making movement part of your routine. Pilates can help you build strength, improve mobility, and stay active in ways that work for your body.
If a friend or family member is going through breast cancer treatment, something as simple as listening, lending a hand, or checking in regularly can mean a lot.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to look after your own health and reach out to someone who could use a little extra support. Schedule your Pilates session by calling or texting 303-472-6743.
