UH Occupational Health Services wants to remind the campus community that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the U.S. and the second-leading cause of death in women.  

Unmodifiable Risk Factors:  

• Being female is the main risk factor, but men can get breast cancer too.  
• Aging (most breast cancer is found in women age 55 and older) 

• Personal or family history 
• Inheriting gene changes (most commonly BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes)  
• Dense breast tissue  

Modifiable Risk Factors 

• Excessive alcohol intake 

• Being overweight or obese 
• Lack of physical activity  
• Never having children or giving birth after age 30  
• Certain types of birth control 

Prevention 

Do your part by eating a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and screen for signs of breast cancer routinely through self-examination and mammograms. Immediately report any of the following signs & symptoms to your physician:  

• New lump or mass 
• Unexplained swelling or changes in the breast tissue  
• Dimpling (orange peel appearance)  
• Nipple pain  

• Nipple discharge 
• Swollen lymph nodes 

For additional information regarding breast cancer facts, visit the American Cancer Society.