Buddy Check 10

If you find a lump, call your physician. If you need a physician, call Baptist Ask-A-Nurse at 632-5200.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. 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

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  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.

Buddy Check: A mother of three fights for her life

Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

As we near Mother's Day this weekend, that phrase could not be closer to the truth for one family.

A seemingly healthy Knoxville mother of two, found out she had breast cancer while pregnant with her third child.

Buddy Check: 10News' Allison Bybee remembers her mother

As Mother's Day approaches, our minds just naturally gravitate to our mothers and all they do for us. 10News reporter Allison Bybee learned to be strong by example as she watched her mother battle breast cancer. 

Buddy Check: Gale Compton's Cookbook

Most people with cancer can easily say the disease changed their lives.   Gale Compton will go as far as to say cancer changed her life for the better.  From fitness to food, she has undergone a transformation.

Buddy Check: Skype buddies during study abroad

The best of friends since first grade, Katie and Maddie are buddy check 10 buddies through their semesters abroad.

Buddy Check: Missy climbs a mountain

We first met Missy Pointer this past summer as she was wrapping up treatment. Since then, she has experienced things most of us could only dream of doing.

Buddy Check: "Think Pink" party

A Knoxville woman didn't have to look far for inspiration, her 101-year-old great grandmother is reason enough. The signature color for a the "Think Pink" party is of course Pink. However, there is a point to this pastel, it is meant to make the guests think about breast cancer.

Buddy Check: Update with Father Xavier Mankel

Thirteen Years ago 10News told the story of a man diagnosed with breast cancer, Father Xavier Mankel.

Buddy Check: Update on Dottie Arnett

Dottie wrapped up weeks of chemotherapy this past summer and is back teaching at Sequoyah Elementary School.

Buddy Check: Joni Eareckson Tada

Nationally known evangelist Joni Eareckson Tada didn't let a diving accident that left her paralyzed, slow her down.  She has inspired millions and shared her message of faith from her wheelchair for four decades.  Now, she is facing another life challenge, breast cancer. 

Buddy Check: Buddy Check Ten Buddies

As part of our  breast cancer awareness program  "Buddy Check Ten" we encourage women to do monthly breast self exams.  Missy Pointer and Karen Larabee  started the program  more than a year ago and for Missy it's proved to be potentially life saving.

Buddy Check: Bosom Buddies

Two Knoxville women have added a standing date to their do-to list. From the first time they crossed paths, it was an instant connection.

Mercy North Breast Center Earns National Accreditation

The Mercy Medical Center North Breast Center is the first breast center in the Knoxville area to earn accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) administered by the American College of Surgeons.

Buddy Check: A Milestone in Janet's Journey

As the new year begins, Janet Testerman reflects on the year past and marks a milestone in her battle with breast cancer.  January 25th  is the first anniversary of her diagnosis.  

Buddy Check: Cancer gene bonds mother and daughter

"Like mother, like daughter" -- Kimberly Chadwell wishes more than anything that wasn't case.  Her breast cancer diagnosis is leading her daughter, Brittany Hodge, to make a dramatic decision that could potentially save her life. 

Local cancer center recommends annual mammograms at age 40

East Tennessee's Mercy Health Partners sets the record straight with what they say are the correct guidelines to follow for breast cancer screening.