Mammograms and health screenings are important in the fight against breast cancer.
But they won't always detect the deadly disease.
Doctors at UK's Markey Cancer Center say breast awareness could also help save your life.
Three years ago, cancer was the last thing on Lynn Bakers mind.
"I didn't have any regular appointments with doctors. I didn't have any problems. No diabetes. No high blood pressure," says Baker.
She was getting dressed one day when she noticed some changes in one of her breasts.
Baker says, "You know, next to nothing itching- red, some little blotches."
There was also a burning pain.
It added to symptoms of a problem that a mammogram couldn't detect.
Lynn was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare and agressive form of the disease.
UK Markey Cancer Center Breast Oncologist Suleiman Massarweh says, The breast feels warm. It may look red, inflamed. Most people may initially think it is an infection or an inflammation.And not necessarily think of cancer."
Lynn wasn't happy with the medical treatment she was getting in Tennessee.
She did her homework and traveled more than 3 hours to see Dr. Massarweh in Lexington.
Lynn credits the doctor with saving her life.
Massarweh says, "She's very vibrant. And very active. And she's looking forward to life. Basically she came to the right place."
Dr. Massarweh says Lynn is responding well to a newer chemo therapy.
And while her fight to live is far from over, Massarweh says all women should be proactive like Lynn and look for signs of possible health problems.
"If you have a breast symptom- if you have a lump, if you have changes in the skin, changes at all in the size of the breast, redness....you should always get to your doctor to get it checked out."
Lynn agrees and says, "We need to get the word out. We need women to quit being shy and get to their doctor."
