The Susan G. Komen^® Breast Self-Awareness Inventory

Know your risk.

Talk with both sides of your family to learn about your family health history. Talk with a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer.

Get screened.

Talk with a health care provider about which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk. Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk. Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40.

Know what is normal for you.

See a provider if you notice any of these breast changes:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

Make healthy lifestyle choices:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use)
• Breastfeed, if you can