Listening to your body: A Rezilient approach to breast health

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time to honor survivors, support those in treatment, and remember the loved ones we’ve lost. It’s also a reminder that caring for your breast health isn’t just something to think about once a year. Every mammogram, every conversation, and every act of self-care adds up to something powerful: early detection and prioritizing your health.

At Rezilient Health, we’re here to make those steps feel approachable, supported, and personal by helping you stay proactive about your health with guidance that fits in your life. 

In this post, we’ll explore:

• Why breast screening and awareness matter
• What current data tells us
• How to “listen to your body” without overemphasis on self-exam myths
• How Rezilient can help you navigate referrals, plans, and your health

‍Why screening and awareness matter

‍The state of breast cancer today (via American Cancer Society)

• In the U.S., breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women and the second leading cause of cancer death (after lung) among women. 
• The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.
• In 2022, nearly 280,000 new cases were reported in women; in 2023, over 42,000 women died from breast cancer.
• Encouragingly, breast cancer mortality has declined over decades thanks largely to earlier detection and improved treatments.

‍The power of early detection

• When detected early , the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is about 99%.
• Mammography screening remains the “gold standard” for catching changes before they might become noticeable symptoms. 
• In 2023, about 79.8% of women aged 50-74 reported having had a mammogram in the past two years, close to the Healthy People 2030 target of 80.3%.
• Until April 2024, many guidelines recommended starting regular mammograms at age 50; now, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force endorses starting at age 40 (every other year) for women without complicating risk factors, like a family history of breast cancer.
• That shift matters as earlier screening opens the window for action before symptoms emerge. 

‍What is means to “listen to your body”

The phrase “listen to your body” is often used broadly, but when it comes to breast health, it carries real meaning in both helpful and cautionary ways. 

‍Breast awareness vs. strict self-exams

• Breast awareness means being familiar with your breasts’ “normal” and how they look, feel, and what changes you regularly see or feel. It’s less about rigid monthly checklists and more about sensitivity to your own baseline.
• Breast self-exams (BSE), once widely promoted, are now more controversial. Some trials have not shown a clear benefit, and there is concern about false positives and unnecessary biopsies.
• That said, many cancers are still found by people themselves – an estimated 25% via deliberate self-examination and ~18% “by accident” (e.g. in the shower, or noticing a lump).
• The consensus: BSE shouldn’t replace screening, but self-awareness and timely reporting of changes should be part of your general healthcare.

‍What to watch for

If something feels or looks different than your usual baseline, it’s worth paying attention. Changes to monitor include: 

• New lumps or thickened areas
• Skin changes (dimpling, puckering)
• Nipple inversion or retraction
• Unusual discharge
• Redness, swelling, or irritation not explained by injury or infection

When in doubt, bring it up to your provider at Rezilient or elsewhere. 

‍Building a breast health plan with Rezilient

We don’t do mammograms in-house (yet), but we can do something just as important: help you build a plan, remove the friction, and support you through every question and referral. Here’s how: 

‍Personalized screening cadence

Because Rezilient is your ongoing care partner, your provider can help you decide when to begin screening (often at age 40), how often (annually or every other year), and whether additional imaging might be needed (for dense tissue, high risk, etc.).

‍Referral facilitation (mammogram setup) 

We can coordinate referrals, help you get authorization where needed, and connect you with imaging centers in your area and in-network, ensuring the process is simple and streamlined.

‍Ongoing tracking and reminders

One mammogram isn’t enough – continuity matters. Your Rezilient provider can help you stay on schedule, sending reminders or prompts to revisit the process. 

‍Risk review and lifestyle counseling

At Rezilient, we can assess risk factors such as family history and lifestyle, and help guide on what you can control (exercise, weight, alcohol intake, diet) and help you decide if you need genetic counseling or enhanced screening.

‍Support and answering questions

Screening often comes with anxiety or uncertainty (What does “dense tissue” mean? What if there’s a false positive?). Your Rezilient care team can walk through it all with you, explaining what to expect, what your next steps might be, and offering emotional support.

‍Putting into practice: A 5-step breast health check-in

To make this actionable, here’s a simple “check-in” approach you might adopt (or share with others):

1. Pick a regular “touchpoint,” e.g. the first of every month, or a day of the month when you briefly note whether your breasts feel or look different than usual (no need for a strict exam).
2. Mark your mammogram due date in your calendar (or use a reminder system).
3. Schedule well ahead when you’re feeling well (not waiting until something is wrong).
4. Log any changes or concerns you notice and bring them up at your next appointment.
5. Talk to your Rezilient provider about risk factors, whether your schedule should adapt, and whether you need additional imaging or referrals.

‍A note on balance, clarity, and the Rezilient approach

One of the challenges in any type of healthcare is balancing encouragement with realism. Screening has benefits, but it’s not perfect. There is always risk of overdiagnosis, false positives, and anxiety. 

At Rezilient, our lens is not “screen more” but “screen smart and stay connected.” Our ambition is to help you make informed decisions aligned with your risk, comfort level, and health goals – not push you into a one-size-fits-all plan. 

This Breast Cancer Awareness month, let’s listen, plan, and act. 

• If you’re around age 40 (or older) and haven’t scheduled a mammogram yet, make that your priority.
• If you’ve had your first mammogram, let’s talk about ensuring your screening cadence stays on track.
• If you notice any breast changes, don’t wait. Reach out.
• Schedule a conversation with your Rezilient provider and we can help you map your plan, answer questions, and make breast health just one more thing we do together.

Your health deserves care, patience, and a plan that grows with you.

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