During the month of October, NBC 30 is encouraging women to "Take A Test For Life" and learn more about Breast Cancer. NBC 30, with Hartford Hospital, Better Bedding and the American Cancer Society (ACS), are offering information about three different tests you can take to learn more about your individual risks of Breast Cancer.


Take one or more of these three tests and
you can say "I took a Test For Life:"

• Mammogram - This test is an x-ray examination of the breast. It is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women who have no breast complaints (asymptomatic) and in women who have breast symptoms (problems such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge). The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends women 40 years old or older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. The ACS recommends that younger adult women should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of their periodic health exams, preferable no less than every 3 years. For more about mammograms and other breast imaging procedures, click here.



• Breast Self Exam - This test is done at home by yourself. The ACS recommends doing a BSE every month. Many suspicious breast lumps are found by women performing these self-exams. When you know how your breast normally feels, you will be able to feel any changes. For more information about how to perform a breast self examination, click here.



• Interactive Breast Cancer Quiz - this test can be done right now or at any time. Use the link found at the top of this page and take this simple quiz to test your Breast Cancer IQ.

And, watch for our special reports weekdays at 6 am and 5 pm on NBC 30 News.