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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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Global Race For The Cure

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News

GW Doc: Breast Health Guidelines "Nothing Less Than A Travesty" Comments Dr. Rachel Brem discounts the new mammogram guidelines issued this week, saying they will set back women. Andrea Roane's Commentary On New Mammography Task Force Guidelines Comments 9NEWS NOW's Andrea Roane has been at the forefront of breast cancer prevention for almost 20 years with her Buddy Check 9 reports. Mammogram Coverage Won't Change, Companies Say Comments Insurance companies contacted by USA TODAY say they will continue paying for annual mammograms amid fears that new breast cancer screening guidelines could lead women to lose coverage.

More News >

Survivor Stories

	Breast Cancer Survivors Say Study Sends Wrong Message Comments Women under 50 years old say they are living proof mammograms saved their lives. Breast Cancer Patient Gets Help With Bills Comments A local charity not only helps cancer patients with comfort they are also helping them make ends meet day to day. Tigerlily Foundation: Helping Young Women Beat Breast Cancer Comments Maimah Karmo founded the Tigerlily Foundation during chemotherapy. Now she's in remission and on a mission to help young women beat breast cancer.
More Survivor Stories >