New year, fresh start. If you’re setting goals that matter, put breast health on your list! You don’t need a perfect routine or a color-coded planner or a fancy app—just a simple plan you can follow and repeat.
Why?
- Early detection saves lives. When breast cancer is caught early, treatment is often more effective and less intense.
- Small habits add up, such as: 10 minutes to schedule an appointment, 15 minutes to learn your family history, a few seconds to note a change in your body.
- You’re modeling health. When you make breast care and screening a priority, your friends, daughters, sisters, and coworkers notice!
Here’s 6 steps to start and stay strong all year long:
1) Book it — the 10-minute commitment.
- Open your calendar. Pick a month for your annual clinical breast exam and mammogram (if you’re due).
- Call or click now. similar to TSU BCSPC, most clinics offer online scheduling—get scheduled. Click here https://linktr.ee/TSUBreastcareclinic or Call us at 713-313-5781 to schedule your mammogram appointment
- Add reminders. Set reminders for yourself: one week before, one day before, and the morning of your appointment. Treat it like an important meeting to care for your future self.
2) Know what’s normal for you.
You don’t need to be an expert—just know how your breasts usually look and feel. Check in monthly, (at the same time in each cycle, if you menstruate/have your period).
Be sure to report changes right away to your doctor, including: a new lump or thickening, nipple inversion, discharge (if not breastfeeding), skin dimpling, redness, swelling, or pain on one side that doesn’t go away.
3) Know your risk.
Everyone is different, even at the same age. Spend 15 minutes to gather:
- Family cancer history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer (who, which side of family, age at diagnosis).
- Personal health history with prior biopsies, radiation to the chest, your history with menstrual cycles (your period) and any pregnancies.
- Social/lifestyle factors like smoking, vaping, alcohol, physical activity, and weight changes.
4) Habit stacking to build your breast health.
Attach new habits to ones you already do. Simple ideas include:
- After brushing teeth (evenings): Take 30–60 seconds to glance in the mirror for visible breast changes.
- Sunday meal prep: Add fruit/vegetables and lean proteins; set a daily water drinking goal.
- Workout days: Start with 20–30 minutes of movement you enjoy (walk, dance, swim, lift).
- First of the month: Do a quick breast self-awareness check and keep notes.
5) Make it practical (barriers → solutions).
- Cost: Ask about low- or no-cost breast screening days, mobile units, or programs through TSU BCSPC, community clinics, FQHCs (health clinics), or local nonprofits.
- Transportation & childcare: Invite a friend to watch kids and swap favors; ask clinics about transportation cost vouchers or weekend slots.
- Anxiety: Bring a support person to your appointment, ask for a technologist experienced with first timers, and practice slow breathing (4 seconds in, 6 seconds out) during the exam.
- Language & literacy: Ask for materials or interpreters in your preferred language; ask for simple explanations of health information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your appointment.
6) Keep up the good work.
- Put next year’s appointment on the calendar before you leave the clinic.
- Save your results in a folder (digital or paper).
- If something feels off before your next clinic visit, don’t wait. Contact your Doctor’s office.
You don’t need a dozen resolutions to start 2026 strong. Choose this one: Focus on your breast health. Book the exam, know the results, and share a reminder with someone you love.
Small steps today can change everything about tomorrow.
References
- American Cancer Network. (2024, April 30). Early detection and screening can save lives & money. Retrieved, December 1, 2025, from: https://www.fightcancer.org/policy-resources/early-detection-and-screening-can-save-lives-money
- Fisher P., (2023). Early detection saves lives: Importance of breast cancer screening. Journal of Women’s Health Care, 12(7), 667.
- Cancer Research Institute. (2025, February 11). Early detection saves lives: The essential cancer screenings you can’t afford to skip. Retrieved, December 1, 2025, from: https://www.cancerresearch.org/blog/early-detection-saves-lives-the-essential-cancer-screenings-you-cant-afford-to-skip
