If you would like to share a Friend for Life story, call 13WMAZ at (478) 752-1313.

Educating yourself about breast cancer is important. Knowing the facts about breast cancer is essential. As the most common form of cancer found in women today, breast cancer will affect one out of every eight women in her lifetime. However, statistics show that the early detection of breast cancer through mammograms, monthly breast self-exams and annual physicals improves a woman's chances for survival.

Are you at risk for developing breast cancer? Many factors can put a woman at an increased risk for developing breast cancer:

Family history of breast cancer
Previous breast cancer
Early onset of menstruation (before age 12)
Older than 30 when birthing first child
Never having children
Late onset of menopause
Obesity, 40 percent above the normal weight for your age

Women with symptoms, such as a breast lump, an unusual or continued soreness in a breast, significant discharge from a nipple or skin dimpling, should contact their physician immediately.