October 2025 Health Tip

by J. Renee Livsey |  October 1, 2025

 
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 
 
This month is set aside to acknowledge the warriors who are fighting and/or who have won the battle of breast cancer. We strive to educate our community about the importance of early diagnosis and to pray for a cure of this disease.
 
Woman and men alike should know how their breasts normally look and feel. Doing regular breast self-exams is a way to help you detect any changes in your breasts. Also viewing your breast in the mirror after bath or showering can afford the chance to see any changes. If you find a change in your breast, contact your health care provider right away. Keep in mind that you have more treatment options, and a better chance of recovery when cancer is found early. This includes any type of cancer - breast, prostate, lung, colon or any other type of cancer.
 
Breast self-exams should not take the place of regular screening mammograms or clinical breast exams, which are done by a doctor. By doing routine breast self-exams and having routine mammograms and checkups, you can help detect breast problems early. Women should begin practicing breast self-exam by age 20, and we should continue the practice throughout our lives, even during pregnancy and after menopause.  Changes to look for include:
 
A lump
Skin irritation
Dimpling, puckering, bulging, or ridges of the skin on the breast
Nipple retraction (nipple turns in)
Redness, warmth, swelling, or pain in the breast or under arms
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple, or nipple discharge
Change in color, shape, size or texture of a breast
 
Men can also develop breast cancer. Breast cancer in men is rare but real—about 1 in every 100 breast cancer cases in the U.S. occurs in a man. It is important that men also know how their breasts normally look and feel. Also, veterans who have been exposed to hazards such as asbestos, chemical agents and burn pits should be aware of  symptoms, and may covered under the PACT act.  Veterans with exposure may be able to receive VA disability if cancer is found. Remember early detection is key to successful treatment and/or recovery.