Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Know the Symptoms

Symptoms of breast cancer can differ from person to person and some won’t have any symptoms at all. Here is a list of warning signs to be aware of:

• lump or node in the breast or armpit
• swelling or redness on part of the breast
• irritation or dimpling of breast skin
  
• peeling or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• any nipple discharge other than breast milk
• change in the size or the shape of the breast
• pain in any part of the breast

While these symptoms can often occur and be unrelated to breast cancer, please consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Are You at Risk?

While some women may be more at risk than others, all women have the potential to get breast cancer.

Women who have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, have dense breasts, are over the age of 50, or have certain genetic mutations are at greater risk of getting breast cancer. In addition, other factors such as being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol can also increase your risk.

Check out the CDC’s Risk Factors for Breast Cancer for a complete list and helpful links. Although it is rare, men can also get breast cancer. The most common symptoms of breast cancer in men are the same as those for women. The CDC has more information about the risks and symptoms of breast cancer in men.

Breast Cancer Screenings Save Lives

Between 2013 and 2017, the death rate for breast cancer decreased by 1.3% each year. This was due in part to early detection through screening.

As a TRS health plan participant, your annual wellness exam with your OB-GYN is covered at 100% by your plan. All TRS health plans cover annual routine mammograms for women 40 and over at 100%.

However, if your doctor requires you to take more frequent exams because of concerns specific to you, those exams would be billed as diagnostic, and not preventive. In that situation, you’d pay toward a deductible, coinsurance, or copay, depending on your TRS health plan.