How It Works:

	Find A Buddy Choose a family member, friend or coworker
	Mark Your Calendar On the 9th of each month, mark your calendar as a reminder.
	Call Your Buddy Remind each other to do your breast self -exam.
	Get A Free Packet We offer a free breast cancer awareness packet to any viewer who calls the Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer HELPLINK at 202.444.4000
	Self Exam Please watch the short video to the right of how to conduct a self-examination.

One in nine women in the DC Metro area will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. African-American women in the District of Columbia have the highest breast cancer mortaility rate in the nation. It is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. If breast cancer is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, the chance of a cure is greater than 85%. Know the warning signs of breast cancer and the guidelines for breast health.

	The Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
	Breast lump or thickening
	Bleeding or discharge from the nipple
	Change in breast shape or contour
	Dimpling or puckering of the skin
	Inflamed reddish appearance of the breast
	Retraction or scaliness of the nipple

Physician Visits

A breast lump or any other suspicious sign should be checked by a physician as soon as possible. Many women delay seeing a doctor when they discover a lump, even though three-fourths of all breast lumps are benign. If a lump does turn out to be cancer, early diagnosis and treatment give women the best possible chance for a cure. In addition to seeing a physician to investigate symptoms of breast cancer, a woman should undergo a routine physical breast examination with her physician.

Mammography

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast taken with a special machine by trained by technologists. Your breast will be positioned between two plastic plates and pressure is then applied to flatten the breast for a good, clear picture. Some discomfort may occur, but it only lasts a few seconds. A specially trained physician, called a radiologist, then reads the results of the procedure.

	American Cancer Society Guidelines For Breast Health
	Monthly Breast Self-exam
	Clinical breast exams every three years for women 20-40 years of age
	Clinical breast exams every year for women 40 years and older
	Annual mammograms should begin at age 40

Andrea Roane

9NEWS NOW Anchor
Buddy Check 9 Spokesperson

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Photos From The Susan G. Komen
Global Race For The Cure

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