Breast Cancer Awareness: Wearing Pink Is Just the Start

October is pink everywhere. Pink blazers, pink ribbons, pink everything. I love it. But wearing pink is just the start. Awareness is supposed to make us pay attention to our own bodies.

Don't brush it off

If you notice something new or unusual with your body, don't keep brushing it off. Get it checked. Noticing a change matters most when you actually do something about it.

Changes the American Cancer Society says are worth showing a doctor include:

• A new lump or a thick area in your breast or underarm
• Swelling of all or part of a breast
• Skin that dimples, puckers or looks like orange peel
• A nipple that turns inward, or nipple discharge that isn't breast milk
• Red, dry, flaky or thickened skin on the breast or nipple
• Breast or nipple pain that doesn't go away

Most changes turn out not to be cancer. That's a good reason to get them checked quickly, not a reason to wait.

"I feel fine, so do I really need a mammogram?"

That's actually the point. Screening is meant to catch changes before you notice anything yourself. You don't have to feel sick to book one.

For many women at average risk, screening starts around age 40. Guidelines differ a little on how often, so ask your doctor what's right for you. If breast cancer runs in your family, or you've been told you're at higher risk, you may need to start sooner.

Know your risk, sis

Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age, and more likely to die from breast cancer, than white women. That's why knowing your family history and speaking up at your appointments matters so much. And yes, men can get breast cancer too.

Your October to-do list

• Find out when you're due for your next screening.
• Book it. Put it in your calendar today.
• Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, so you notice changes.
• Ask your family about their health history.
• Send this to a friend and remind her to book hers.

I'm not a doctor. This post is a reminder, not medical advice. For questions about your own health, talk to your doctor. You can also call the American Cancer Society any time at 1-800-227-2345.

Don't wait until something feels wrong to start thinking about it. Know when you're due, and book it.