October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Know the signs
Most breast cancers are found on a mammogram before anything can be felt. Still, tell your provider if you notice:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
- A change in size or shape, or dimpled skin
- A scaly rash or sore on the nipple, or a nipple turning inward
- Nipple discharge that starts on its own
- Pain in one spot that doesn't go away
Most of these turn out not to be cancer — get them looked at anyway. Don't wait for your next annual visit.
THIS MESSAGE SUPPORTED BY
When to get screened
Women at average risk can start yearly mammograms at 40, and every major guideline recommends screening by 45 at the latest.
If a close relative has had breast or ovarian cancer, or you carry a BRCA gene change, talk to your provider — you may need to start earlier or add an MRI.
About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed in her lifetime. Found early, while still confined to the breast, the 5-year relative survival rate is over 99%. Men get breast cancer too — rarely, but any new lump should be checked.
THIS MESSAGE SUPPORTED BY
Where to go, close to home
You don't have to drive to Boston or Lebanon for excellent breast care. Two accredited programs serve this region, both with a coordinator or navigator whose whole job is walking you through what comes next.
Breast Care Center
Cheshire Medical Center, Keene
A nationally accredited comprehensive breast program with 3D mammography, an on-site breast care coordinator, and access to Dartmouth Cancer Center clinical trials at the Kingsbury Pavilion.
580 Court St., Keene, NH
Mammography: 603-354-6580
Breast care coordinator: 603-354-6503
cheshiremed.org/breast
Comprehensive Breast Care
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Screening and diagnostic mammography, ultrasound and biopsy in the Richards Building, with a breast nurse navigator who connects patients to financial help, rides and prostheses.
17 Belmont Ave., Brattleboro, VT
Mammography: 802-251-8451
bmhvt.org
Breast Cancer Support Group
Keene
A free peer support group for anyone living with a breast cancer diagnosis, meeting at Cheshire Medical Center.
Oncology Department:
603-354-5466
THIS MESSAGE SUPPORTED BY
If cost is the barrier
New Hampshire — Breast & Cervical Cancer Program
Free screening and diagnostic services if you're uninsured or underinsured with household income under 250% of the federal poverty level. Cheshire is a screening site.
State office: 603-271-4931 · Eligibility at Cheshire: 603-354-5454 ext. 2114
Vermont — You First (formerly Ladies First)
Covers screening, diagnostic follow-up and copays for eligible Vermonters 21 and up, plus help scheduling and arranging rides.
1-800-508-2222 · YouFirstVT.org
NH Breast Cancer Coalition Support Services Fund
Help with rent, utilities, car repair and groceries during treatment. Apply through your social worker, nurse or oncologist.
nhbcc.org · ssf@nhbcc.org
American Cancer Society helpline
Questions about diagnosis, treatment, lodging or rides — any hour, any day.
1-800-227-2345 · cancer.org
THIS MESSAGE SUPPORTED BY
Listen for our Inform & Inspire messages all month on Magic 102.
Thank you to our supporting sponsors
These local businesses made this campaign possible.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your health care provider about the screening schedule that's right for you.
