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TUCSON - News 4 Tucson is committed to helping the entire Tucson community to be Breast Cancer Aware throughout the year.

News 4 Tucson has partnered with the Southern Arizona chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to bring you "Buddy Check 4," a free monthly reminder for you and/or a buddy to perform a monthly breast cancer self-exam.

Here's how it works: Step one: sign up for Buddy Check 4 by texting "BUDDY" to 95990. Then, find a buddy - a family member, friend, or co-worker. On the fourth of each month, we'll send you a text message reminder to call your buddy and remind each other to do a breast self-exam.

If you find a lump, call your physician. Take charge of your health, and encourage a buddy to do the same, by signing up for the News 4 Tucson Buddy Check 4 Text Alert!

It's not too late to sign up to volunteer or participate in the 2012 Race for the Cure! Click here for more information.

Below you'll find more important advice from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Southern Arizona.

Be Breast Cancer Aware

It's important to know what's normal for your breasts. Use the tips and advice below, but if you notice any changes in your breasts, see your health care provider right away.

1. Know your risk - Talk to your family to learn about your family health history.

- Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer.

2. Get screened - Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk.

- Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk.

- Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40

3. Know what's normal for you - See your healthcare provider straight away if you notice any of these breast changes:

* Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast

* Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast

* Change in the size or shape of the breast

* Dimpling or puckering of the skin

* Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple

* Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast

* Nipple discharge that starts suddenly

* New pain in one spot that does not go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

- Maintain a healthy weight

- Add exercise into your routine

- Limit alcohol intake

- Limit postmenopausal hormone us

- Breastfeed, if you can

10 STEPS TO BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION (BSE):
Feel for changes while lying down:
• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder
• Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast.
• Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin
• Follow an up and down pattern
• Feel for changes in your breast, above and below your collarbone and in your armpit
• Repeat on your left breast using your right hand

* These steps may be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy hands.

Look for changes in front of the mirror:
• Hold arms at your side
• Hold arms over your head
• Press your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles
• Bend forward with your hands on your hips