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                Knowledge and News on Women: OWH Blog

Knowledge and News on Women: OWH Blog

                        Knowledge & News on Women: Commit to a Healthier Version of You
          Knowledge & News on Women: 2023 Women's Health Year in Review
          Knowledge & News on Women: Pregnancy Exposure Registries
          Knowledge & News on Women: Mammography Matters
          Knowledge & News on Women: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
          Knowledge & News on Women: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Blog
          Knowledge & News on Women: Women and Heart Health
          Knowledge & News on Women: World AIDS Day 2022
          Knowledge & News on Women: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022
          Knowledge & News on Women: National Women's Health and Fitness Day 2022
          Knowledge & News on Women: Fibroid Awareness Month 2022
          Knowledge & News on Women: Maternal Health Matters
          Knowledge & News on Women: Endometriosis Awareness Month
          Knowledge & News on Women: Heart Health Month
          Knowledge & News on Women's Health Blog Archive Home
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          Knowledge and News on Women: OWH Blog
          Knowledge & News on Women: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022Knowledge and News on Women: OWH Blog Knowledge & News on Women: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022
  
  					From the FDA Office of Women's Health
	
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**October 14, 2022**

**Breast Cancer Awareness Month**

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
**October is Breast Cancer Awareness month**! Our goal throughout the month is to increase awareness of the disease and stress the importance of mammograms as the best tool to screen for breast cancer, the second most common type of cancer among women. Approximately one in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer during their lifetime and each year, more than 40,000 women die from breast cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer, while some do not have any signs or symptoms at all. It is important to know how your breasts normally look and feel to be able to recognize any changes that may occur. While knowing what to look for is important, regular mammograms and clinical breast exams are crucial, as these tests can help detect breast cancer before symptoms show.

Signs of breast cancer may include:

Lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
	Swelling or thickening of all or part of the breast
	Dimpling or skin irritation of breast skin
	Redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
	Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
	Any change in the size or shape of the breast
	Pain in any area of the breastBCAM_Women Pink Ribbon
Get Screened

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray picture of the breast. Early detection of breast cancer can improve a woman’s chance of survival and mammograms are the best tool to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Women should ask their healthcare provider if and when a mammogram is right for them.

Follow these tips to help you prepare for a mammogram
	Digital Mammography FAQ’sHow Can I Lower My Risk?

There are many factors that can influence your breast cancer risk such as family history and getting older. There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of breast cancer such as:

Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
	Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink alcohol in moderation.
	If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks.
	Breastfeed your children, if possible.
	If you have a family history of breast cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk.Learn more about breast cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, mammograms, diagnosis, and treatment for breast cancer.

Diverse Women_Workout Clothes_BCAM
Pink Ribbon Guide

A pink ribbon symbolizes breast cancer awareness. The FDA Office of Women’s Health launched the **Pink Ribbon Sunday Mammography Awareness Program** in 1998 to educate women about early detection of breast cancer through mammography. Pink Ribbon Sunday originally targeted African American and Hispanic churches. Over the years, the program’s outreach has expanded to connect with as many women as possible. Pink Ribbon events help educate women about the importance of mammograms and encourage them to take charge of their breast health by getting regular mammography screenings. We are pleased to share our updated mammography resource, Pink Ribbon Guide: Mammography Matters.

Take Action

This month and every month, there are many ways you can join the fight to save lives against breast cancer. Many women do not get their recommended mammography screenings due to fear, time, lack of knowledge about mammograms or concerns about cost. The Pink Ribbon Guide shares ways you can help make a difference including distributing reliable health information, providing emotional support and connecting women to local resources. In the guide, you will find:

Basic facts about mammography
	Information on how to host an in-person or virtual event
	A customizable flyer and postcard to promote your event
	Resources on mammography and breast cancerSearch for a certified mammography facility in your area.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers free or low-cost mammograms. Find out if you qualify.

Additional Resources

Check out these resources from our office and federal partners:

Get the Facts About Mammograms
	Mammography: What You Need to Know
	Get Other FDA Publications for Women
	For Women Homepage
	NCI Breast Cancer
	National Cancer Institute**For resources and materials on other women's health topics, visit www.fda.gov/womens.**

Past KNOWH Blog Posts

September 2022
	July 2022
	May 2022
	March 2022
	February 2022
	November 2021
	August 2021
	July 2021
	May 2021
	April 2021
	February 2021
	January 2021
	**November 2020**
	**July 2020**
	**May 2020**

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      10/14/2022
              
              
Topic(s)
			  Consumer HealthHealth Topic(s)
			  Health
			    			       			    			       Breast CancerKnowledge and News on Women: OWH Blog

          
                        January 2024: Commit to a Healthier Version of You
          December 2023: Women's Health Year in Review
          November 2023: Understanding Pregnancy Exposure Registries
          October 2023: Mammography Matters
          July 2023: Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
          May 2023: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Blog
          February 2023: Women and Heart Health
          December 2022: World AIDS Day 2022
          October 2022 - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
          September 2022 - National Women's Health and Fitness Day
          July 2022 - Fibroid Awareness Month
          May 2022 - Maternal Health Matters
          March 2022 - Endometriosis Awareness Month
          February 2022 - Heart Health Month
          Knowledge & News on Women's Health Blog Archive
 
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