National Breast/Chest Cancer Awareness month, which takes place every year in October, is a reminder that, no matter who you are, if you have it, check it!

Mazzoni Center wants to encourage everyone in our community to use this month as an opportunity to get a screening for your own chest health.

Everyone with breast/chest tissue may be susceptible to breast or chest cancer. Certain groups, however – women, particularly LBTQ women and women of color – may be at increased risk, due in part to lower rates of routine mammograms, clinical breast exams, and other preventive screenings – or accessing them at later stages when cancerous cells may have progressed. 

Susan G. Komen for the Cure has developed a series of recommendations for breast and chest cancer screening based on four key elements:

1. Know your risk: if you can, learn about your family’s health history and talk to a provider about your personal risk of breast cancer – based on who YOU are. Cancer screening recommendations can be individualized.
2. Get screened: for people assigned female at birth who have breasts, we recommend screening every 2 years between the ages of 50 and 74. But we recommend you discuss with your medical provider, as risk factors vary.
3. Know what is normal for you, and see your health care 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 your nipple or other parts of the breast; nipple discharge that starts suddenly; new pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
4. Exercise self-love and self-care:  Maintain a healthy weight, incorporate exercise and limit alcohol and tobacco use.

For members of the trans community, The National LGBT Cancer Network recommends an annual chest/breast exam and regular screening mammography, including:

• MTFs who have taken estrogen/progestin, are age 50+, and have other potential risk factors for breast cancer (e.g., taking estrogen/progestin for more than 5 years, family history of breast cancer, high body mass index).  
• FTMs age 50+ who have not had chest surgery

Getting an annual chest cancer screening can truly be a lifesaver, and October’s Breast & Chest Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that there’s no time like the present to take care of your health. 

To schedule your chest cancer screening this October, please contact our medical center at 215-563-0652, and our helpful staff will work with you to order a mammogram at a local radiology office.