buddy-check9
Receive Text Alert Reminders
BUDDYCHECK9 alerts from WUSA9 are sent on the 9th of each month as a reminder to do a breast self-exam. To receive these alerts and other information related to breast cancer awareness, text the phrase:

BUDDYCHECK9 to 25543

*Message and data rates may apply. You will receive up to 2 messages per month. Text STOP to quit.

These text alerts are sponsored by Washington Radiology Associates, P.C. To schedule an appointment, call 703-280-9800

How It Works:
  • Find A Buddy -- Choose a family member, friend or coworker

  • Mark Your Calendar -- On the 9th of each month, mark your calendar as a reminder.

  • Call Your Buddy --Remind each other to do your breast self -exam.

  • Get A Free Packet -- We offer a free breast cancer awareness packet to any viewer who calls the Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer HELPLINK at 202.444.4000

  • Self Exam -- Please click the link & watch the short video of how to conduct a self-examination.

    One in nine women in the DC Metro area will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. African-American women in DC have the highest breast cancer mortaility rate in the nation. 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.
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
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.
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
Breast Cancer Stories
From our news network
USA TODAY Resources
Living With Cancer Forum: Patients, survivors, loved ones touched by any type of cancer invited to share questions, advice, experiences

HEALTH ENCYCLOPEDIA
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Metastasis
Breast Lumps

More stories about breast cancer from USA TODAY

About Andrea Roane
Andrea Roane has been with W*USA 9 since 1981, and currently co-anchors 9 NEWS NOW from 4:25 a.m-7 a.m.

She's best known to viewers for her passionate reporting on breast health issues and promoting the importance of Early Detection in the fight against breast cancer. In 2006, Andrea was named one of Washingtonian Magazine's "Washingtonians Of The Year" for her continued work on breast cancer awareness.

Andrea initiated an innovative Washington, DC breast cancer awareness program, Buddy Check 9. On the ninth of every month, she encourages viewers to team up with a friend or relative to follow the National Cancer Institute's 3-step breast examination early detection program. Since its inception in 1993, thousands of Washington-area women and men have signed on to the program.

Andrea served as the mistress of ceremonies at the Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure in 2011 on the National Mall. For her coverage of breast cancer issues, Andrea was recently selected as a Rebecca Lipkin Honoree for Media Distinction at the Susan G. Komen For the Cure's Honoring the Promise Gala.

Read Andrea's Buddy Blog
Special Thanks To:

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