Breast cancer is a terrible disease that unfortunately many of us are too familiar with.

Whether through a family member, friend, co-worker or personally, breast cancer has in some way impacted many of our lives. Every day scientists continue to work on finding the causes and cures; yet the fight against cancer continues.

In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, now is the perfect time to join the movement to help fight back by taking the necessary steps towards early detection and to encourage the women in your life to do the same.

Early detection continues to be one of the best weapons to fight cancer. As a nurse practitioner and breast cancer survivor, I cannot stress enough the importance of early detection. The earlier cancer is detected, the quicker treatment can start and help increase the chance for a better outcome.

Generally, people without risk factors, such as family history, don’t need to have their first mammogram until they are 40 years old. Unfortunately, occasionally individuals like me, develop breast cancer at a young age. This is why it’s extremely important not to ignore changes in your body that don’t seem normal. Being aware of your body and performing self-breast exams are key in early detection.

Initially, breast cancer may not cause any symptoms. Sometimes the first sign can be a new lump or mass. The following changes can also be symptoms of breast cancer and should be reported to your health care provider: skin changes such as dimpling, redness, scaling or swelling to the breast, breast pain, nipple changes including pain or discharge, or the nipple turning slightly inward or inverted.

Annual mammograms are equally as important for women who have family history or are 40 years or older. Believe me, I understand mammograms are not something women look forward to getting. However, they continue to be the most effective exam to find breast cancer early. A few seconds of discomfort may end up being the biggest blessing you receive. It can provide you a sense of relief knowing you are healthy, or it can provide the exact information your doctor needs to create a customized treatment to fight the cancer.

UnityPoint Clinic has 3D mammography which has shown even greater improvement in detecting more cancers while reducing the number of follow-up mammograms. 3D mammography can help us find breast cancer earlier by providing more precise images. With conventional digital mammography, a radiologist sees all of the overlapped tissues of the breast in one flat 2D image. In some instances, this can give the illusion of an abnormality even though the breast is normal. By looking at the breast tissue in one millimeter slices, a radiologist can provide a more accurate assessment. 3D mammograms are especially favorable for high-risk patients or those with dense breast tissue, but they are also beneficial for all women needing a diagnostic or standard mammogram.

And if breast cancer is detected, it is comforting knowing life-saving treatment is available at the Trinity Cancer Center. As a 34-year-old, I received the peace of mind knowing I could receive the latest cancer therapies from quality health care professionals close to home, with the support of my family and friends nearby.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which that cancer is found affects her chance of survival. That is why experts recommend that women get a mammogram every year, beginning at age forty, or earlier if you have a family history.

Live life to the fullest. Be proactive with your health and talk with your provider if you think something might not be right with your body.

Keri Benjamin, ARNP, is affiliated with UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Humboldt.