--- title: "Breast Cancer Awareness: Things to Know" description: Did you know that in the U.S. over 255,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and about 42,000 die from the disease? image: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/g4eN3iV0_UqQ1EWWB0vimoTDY6GEL9y32e_NYMGcaiJWsMe_5EUw3Pq2ic6uXY0n5fHymTcG064YzniGZ41wvHiSKmQKErgGz_iKgyYi3iA35-FkT8kKl1D0KKqxxtyKbokR_uey --- [![](https://usfhp2.knockmedia.dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-1.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) - [About Us](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Events & Webinars](https://usfhp.net/events-and-webinars/) - [Contact Us](https://usfhp.net/contact/) [Members](https://member.usfhp.net/) [Providers](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Member FAQs](https://usfhp.net/member-faqs/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Become a Member](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Eligibility](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Health Benefit Consultants](https://usfhp.net/health-benefit-consultants) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Tricare Prime Coverage](https://usfhp.net/tricare-prime-coverage/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Webinars](https://usfhp.net/webinars/) - [Contact](https://usfhp.net/contact/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [About](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Provider Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Member Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) ### Contact - - - # Weekly Health Tips # Breast Cancer Awareness: Things to Know Posted by [USFHP](https://blog.usfhp.net/author/usfhp) on Oct 27, 2021 5:08:35 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/g4eN3iV0_UqQ1EWWB0vimoTDY6GEL9y32e_NYMGcaiJWsMe_5EUw3Pq2ic6uXY0n5fHymTcG064YzniGZ41wvHiSKmQKErgGz_iKgyYi3iA35-FkT8kKl1D0KKqxxtyKbokR_uey)** Photo by [Anna Tarazevich](https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-in-black-tank-top-holding-pink-ribbons-5482994/?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=pmd_mNCV1Tjpg9mUW2C25NjZFX2aeDUcz2mBXLCgL3kRjh0-1633985051-0-gqNtZGzNA3ujcnBszQml) Did you know that in the U.S. over [255,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year](https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm), and about 42,000 die from the disease? Breast cancer is more likely to be found in women ages 50 and over, however, this disease can affect the lives of younger females as well. Although breast cancer is unlikely in men, they can still get it as well. One of the best ways to detect breast cancer early is by getting a mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray image of the breast. [Experts](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mammogram/expert-answers/mammogram-guidelines/faq-20057759) suggest women should begin mammogram screening starting at age 40. **Risks** The risks for breast cancer increases with age, weight, and even family history. Other risk factors include unbalanced hormone levels, obesity, alcohol, problematic menstrual history, smoking, and having dense breasts. Some risks that may occur over time are low vitamin D levels and exposure to chemicals in cosmetics, food or water. **Things you can do to lower your risk of getting breast cancer:** - Exercise regularly - Breastfeed your children, if viable - Maintain a healthy weight - Limit alcoholic beverages, or don’t drink **Testing** One of the key ways to reduce the risks associated with breast cancer is to have [mammogram screenings](https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet) to detect threats and initiate treatments as early as possible. You should regularly perform [self-tests](https://www.cityofhope.org/blog/5-steps-to-a-better-breast-self-exam) and visit your doctor at least once a year for an annual screening.  USFHP’s TRICARE Prime Plan includes breast screenings as a basic healthcare provision ensured to our members. We offer routine doctor's visits, hospitalization, prescription coverage, preventative care coverage, and specialty care.  We’ve developed incentive programs that give rewards to our members for meeting certain health goals. With our free enhanced benefits members can choose to receive up to $250 a year in gym reimbursement. Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 for help finding a provider or assistance scheduling an appointment. Topics: [Women's Health](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/womens-health), [breast cancer](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/breast-cancer) [![](http://usfhp2.test/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Group-1774.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) To provide the highest quality health care for uniformed services family members, retirees, and their family members. - - - [Contact Us](https://blog.usfhp.net/) [Member's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Provider Quick Links - About - Resources - FAQs - Videos [Provider's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Member Quick Links - [Enroll](http://usfhp2.test/enrollment/) - Benefits - Locations - Webinars --- TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. ©2022 All rights reserved. website by [knockmedia](https://knockmedia.com)