October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Aspirus Health is committed to empowering women with vital information on recognizing the early signs of breast cancer.

While most women are aware of the importance of breast self-checks, many of them have only been trained to feel for a lump, or a small mass. A local breast surgeon urges women to also be aware of other potential breast changes which may signal that something is wrong.

Cecilia Stroede, MD, a Board-certified breast surgeon at Aspirus Breast Care Specialists, explains, “We’re kind of trained to feel for that little pea or that little lump. But there is another type of breast cancers that are going to manifest a little more like a texture difference. So, you may notice asymmetry. So, texture differences in one breast and not the other are relevant.”

She continues, “Sometimes I see patients that come in with a pretty significant texture difference, but there isn’t a mass per se. And they get the idea that that’s okay then because there isn’t a mass, but texture difference is significant as well.”

In addition to monthly self-checks at home, all women aged 40 and older are urged to get a yearly mammogram. Mammograms can detect a cancerous abnormality before it can be felt or seen, increasing chances of treatment success. Dr. Stroede explains, “There is a definite benefit in finding smaller things at an earlier point.”

Schedule a mammogram at aspirus.org or in the MyAspirus app.

If you're looking to schedule a screening or discuss your health needs, Aspirus can help you find the right provider. Call the Aspirus Welcome Center at 833-811-4176 or find a clinic near you. For more information about primary care services, visit www.aspirus.org/primarycare.