Buddy Check 9 is a simple reminder that a regular breast self-exam is an important step for the early detection of breast cancer.

Andrea Roane
9NEWS NOW Anchor
Buddy Check 9 Spokesperson
Read Her Blog

Here's how it works:

• Find A Buddy
  Choose a family member, friend or coworker
• Mark your Calendar
  On the 9th of each month, mark your calendar as a reminder
• Call Your Buddy
  Remind each other to do your breast self exam
• Get A Free Packet
  We offer a free breast cancer awareness packet to any viewer who calls the Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer HELPLINK at 202.444.4000
• Self Exam

One in nine women in the DC Metro area will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. African-American women in the District of Columbia have the highest breast cancer mortaility rate in the nation. It is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. If breast cancer is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, the chance of a cure is greater than 85%. Know the warning signs of breast cancer and the guidelines for breast health.

The Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

• Breast lump or thickening
• Bleeding or discharge from the nipple
• Change in breast shape or contour
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Inflamed reddish appearance of the breast
• Retraction or scaliness of the nipple

American Cancer Society Guidelines For Breast Health

• Monthly Breast Self-exam
• Clinical breast exams every three years for women 20-40 years of age
• Clinical breast exams every year for women 40 years and older
• Annual mammograms should begin at age 40

Buddy Check 9 eAlert List
Sign your buddy up for a monthly reminder from WUSA9.com. Click here

Physician Visits
A breast lump or any other suspicious sign should be checked by a physician as soon as possible. Many women delay seeing a doctor when they discover a lump, even though three-fourths of all breast lumps are benign. If a lump does turn out to be cancer, early diagnosis and treatment give women the best possible chance for a cure. In addition to seeing a physician to investigate symptoms of breast cancer, a woman should undergo a routine physical breast examination with her physician.

Mammography
A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast taken with a special machine by trained by technologists. Your breast will be positioned between two plastic plates and pressure is then applied to flatten the breast for a good, clear picture. Some discomfort may occur, but it only lasts a few seconds. A specially trained physician, called a radiologist, then reads the results of the procedure.