October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which prompts an important conversation for everyone on campus. Why does this matter to you right now, in the middle of midterms, work, and extracurricular activities? Along with working hard as a student and employee, being proactive about your health is a crucial part of planning your future, and it saves lives. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, while an estimated 316,950 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2025, there is tremendous hope: when caught early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Awareness and education are the foundation of that early detection. 

The most crucial step for every student – irrespective of gender – is becoming familiar with what is normal for your own body. This practice is known as Breast Self-Awareness. Breast cancer in young adults is rare, but when it does occur, it is often discovered by the individual themselves. Knowing your body’s “normal” means you can quickly spot a change and seek care early. 

The breast tissue of all people can develop cancer. While it’s far less common in males, it is often diagnosed at a later stage due to lack of awareness. 

The signs can vary, but these are the most common to watch for in your breast or chest area: 

• A new lump or swelling is the most common symptom; it may feel hard, soft, or feel like a thickening in the breast/chest or armpit area. 
• Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, redness, irritation, or flaky/scaly skin. In some cases, the skin may resemble an orange peel. 
• Nipple changes, including inversion, persistent pain, or rashes can be signs, in addition to sudden, noticeable, or unexplained changes to the size or contour of the chest/breast. 
• Any fluid leaking from the nipple other than breast milk, especially if it is bloody. 

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms nor an official point of reference. However, consult with your doctor if you notice any of these or other changes. 

For the majority of college students, routine mammograms (X-ray screenings) are not recommended. However, there are two key steps you should take: 

1. Clinical Breast Exams (CBEs):

For students assigned female at birth (and some assigned males at birth who have specific risk factors), a Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) performed by a healthcare professional is recommended every 1 to 3 years. You can usually have it done as part of your annual physical or gynecological exam. 

2. Get a Personal Risk Assessment:

Risk is the most important thing to know in your late teens and early twenties. According to cancer.org, in recent years, incidence rates have increased by 1% per year. The rise in incidence rates is a little steeper in women younger than 50 (1.4%). This is thought to be due to risk factors of having excess body weight, not having children, or having a first child after age 30. Discuss your family history with your Campus Health provider or Primary Care Physician to see if you have an elevated risk. 

High Risk Factors to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• A strong family history: Breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer in multiple close relatives (parents, siblings, children), especially if they were diagnosed under 45. This includes cancers on both sides of your family. 
• A known genetic mutation: Carrying a genetic mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2 (even if inherited from a father). 
• Prior chest radiation: Radiation therapy to the chest before age 30 for a different condition (like Hodgkin lymphoma). 

If you fall into a high-risk category, your provider may recommend starting annual screenings as early as age 25. 

Lifestyle choices play a role in reducing cancer risk. Some of these healthy habits include staying active with regular exercise, staying in a healthy weight range, and limiting or cutting alcohol and nicotine. Making sure to discuss medical history with family and making a commitment to spreading the word is so crucial to casting a wide net of education and awareness. 
This October, make a commitment to taking the first steps in becoming aware of your body and individual risk for breast cancer, because early action ensures your best chance at a healthy future. You can receive CBEs as part of your general check-up at Campus Health. Access the HealthyPack Portal to make an appointment.

References

• https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer.html 
• Gynecology Services @ NC State Campus Health
• https://bcrisktool.cancer.gov/
• https://www.facingourrisk.org/?campaign=698450
• https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
• https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/

Author

Ananya Venkatachalam –  Ananya is a Pack Peer and a senior majoring in Microbiology. She’s passionate about women’s and community health and hopes to integrate public health education into her future career. 

Disclaimer

The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please contact NC State Campus Health or your healthcare provider with questions regarding medical health, or changes to your diet, exercise routine, or treatment plan. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.