(click on logo to register for Buddy Check)

Buddy Check - Breast Self-Awareness Reminder

It was estimated that breast cancer would strike over 192,000 women in the U.S. in 2009 causing over 40,000 deaths. Breast self-awareness can help women learn about breast cancer and take action.  There are four main steps, with action items associated with each step.  The steps are know your risk, get screened, know what is normal for you and make healthy lifestyle choices. 

Joining Buddy Check costs nothing and could save your life!  It's easy to do—just click on the Buddy Check logo above and register yourself.  Our Komen Greater Evansville Affiliate will become your "buddy" and remind you by e-mail each month to think about your breast health.  In addition, you will be reminded throughout the day on the 14th of each month on Channel 14WFIE during newscasts.  

Upon registering for the Buddy Check program, the Komen Greater Evansville Affiliate will send you a breast health information kit.  And, you can register a friend too!  If you do sign up a "buddy," please call or email her to let her know that you care about her health, so you've signed her up for breast self-awareness reminders.

Breast Self-Awareness (BSA)

1.         Know your risk

q                  Talk to your family to learn about your family health history

q                  Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer

2.                  Get screened    

q                  Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk

q                  Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk

q                  Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40

3.                  Know what is normal for you

q                  See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

·         Lump, hard knot or thickening

·         Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening

·         Change in the size or shape of the breast

·         Dimpling or puckering of the skin

·         Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple

·         Pulling in of your nipple or other parts

·         Nipple discharge that starts suddenly

·         New pain in one spot that does not go away

4.                  Make healthy lifestyle choices

q                  Maintain a healthy weight

q                  Add exercise into your routine

q                  Limit alcohol intake

For more information visit our website or call our breast care helpline: 

www.komen.org

1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636)                   

A special thanks to 14WFIE for collaborating with us on this project!