Key Takeaways
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October to promote screening, self-awareness, and early diagnosis.
- Finding breast cancer early, before it spreads, is strongly linked to better treatment outcomes.
- Screening guidelines differ for average-risk and high-risk patients, so it helps to know where you fall.
- Building a simple self-exam habit makes it easier to notice changes between screenings.
- If a self-exam, a screening, or your doctor turns up something worth a closer look, Dr. Robert Weiss at Syracuse Hernia Center provides an in-person evaluation and, when needed, surgical treatment for breast lumps, cysts, and other concerns.
What Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Why Does It Exist?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month happens every October. The goal is straightforward: get more people talking about screening, self-awareness, and treatment options so fewer cases go unnoticed. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, aside from skin cancers, and it accounts for roughly 1 in 3 new cancer diagnoses in women each year. The same source estimates that about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.
None of that is meant to be alarming. It is meant to explain why an entire month is dedicated to reminding people, in Syracuse and everywhere else, to pay attention to their breast health year-round, not just in October.
Why Early Detection Improves Treatment Outcomes
The earlier breast cancer is found, generally the more treatment options are available and the better those treatments tend to work. That is the entire reasoning behind screening guidelines, self-exams, and paying attention to changes. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer death rates in the United States have dropped by 44 percent since 1989, a decline largely credited to earlier detection through screening and improved awareness, along with better treatment.
Early detection does not happen in one single moment. It is a combination of:
- Routine screening through your primary care provider or OB-GYN.
- Knowing what your own breasts normally look and feel like.
- Getting any new lump, area of thickening, or unusual change checked by a provider promptly, rather than waiting to see if it goes away.
Screening Guidelines for Average and High-Risk Patients
Screening recommendations are not one-size-fits-all. The American Cancer Society's screening guidelines note that average-risk and high-risk patients are generally guided differently, and it is worth discussing your personal risk factors, including family history, with your primary care provider or OB-GYN so they can help you decide on the right screening schedule and starting age for you. Screening tests like mammograms are typically ordered and performed through your primary care provider, OB-GYN, or a radiology center rather than at Syracuse Hernia Center, but they are the first step that often leads a patient through Syracuse Hernia Center's doors for a follow-up evaluation.
How to Build a Self-Exam Habit
A self-exam does not need to be complicated. The point is simply to become familiar enough with your own breast tissue that you would notice if something changed. A few tips for building the habit:
- Pick a consistent time each month, such as a few days after your period ends, when breast tissue tends to be less tender.
- Look for changes in size, shape, or skin texture in addition to feeling for lumps.
- Note that breast tissue can naturally feel different depending on your hormone cycle, so consistency in timing helps you compare accurately.
- Keep in mind that most breast lumps turn out to be benign, but any new or persistent change is worth having evaluated.
When It's Time to Have a Lump or Change Evaluated Locally
If you or your doctor find a lump, a change in shape, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or persistent pain, the next step is an in-person evaluation. Dr. Robert Weiss, a board-certified general surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, personally evaluates and, when appropriate, surgically treats non-cosmetic breast conditions at Syracuse Hernia Center, including cysts, infections, and both benign and malignant tumors. Learn more about Syracuse Hernia Center's breast surgery services or visit the Syracuse Hernia Center homepage to see the full range of general surgery services Dr. Weiss provides.
Get Evaluated with Confidence This October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder, not a reason to worry. Most breast changes are not cancer, but every new lump or change deserves a proper evaluation rather than a guess.
If you have found a lump or change that concerns you, request an appointment with Syracuse Hernia Center's breast surgery team to have it evaluated by Dr. Robert Weiss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, aims to increase awareness of screening, early detection, and treatment options for breast cancer, with the goal of catching more cases early.
Does Syracuse Hernia Center perform mammograms?
No. Mammograms and other screening imaging are typically performed through your primary care provider, OB-GYN, or a radiology center. Syracuse Hernia Center provides in-person evaluation, diagnosis, and, when needed, surgical treatment once a lump or concern has been identified.
How often should I perform a breast self-exam?
There is no single required schedule, but many people find it helpful to check monthly, at a consistent point in their cycle, so they can more easily notice changes over time.
Is a breast lump usually cancer?
Most breast lumps are not cancer. However, any new lump or change should still be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the cause.
How do I find a general surgeon near me for a breast evaluation?
Syracuse Hernia Center, led by board-certified general surgeon Dr. Robert Weiss, evaluates and treats non-cosmetic breast conditions at its Liverpool, NY office. You can request an appointment directly online.
