Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mark for Life?Who should do Breast Self Examinations?
Why should I do Breast Self Exams?
Why should I use Mark for Life?
I have lumpy breasts, so should I still do monthly breast self examinations?
Why do some organizations suggest not doing monthly breast self exams anymore?
What am I looking for when I do my breast self-examination?
This shirt seems very small, how is it going to fit?
When should I do my monthly exam?
If I use the Mark for Life shirt, do I need to do anything else to prevent breast cancer?
What if I find a lump or something unusual while doing my exam?
Where can I obtain additional information on breast cancer?
- What is Mark for Life?
The Mark for Life product is a patent-pending breast self examination kit that was developed under the supervision of a leading oncologist. The Mark for Life kit contains a breast self examination shirt, detailed instructions on using the shirt to perform examinations, a special pen for marking the results of your examinations on the shirt, and reminder stickers for your calendar. - Who should do Breast Self Examinations?
Beginning at age 18, all women should perform monthly breast self examinations (Cancer Research Foundation of America). - Why should I do Breast Self Exams?
70% of all breast cancers are found through breast self examination (National Breast Cancer Foundation). Early detection of breast cancer can increase survival rates to 90% (BBC Health). Therefore, performing your breast self exam and becoming familiar with the characteristics of your breasts is critical to your breast health. Breast Self Examination takes only a few minutes and may be the best time investment of your life. - Why should I use Mark for Life?
The Mark for Life product provides everything you need to do a comprehensive examination of all breast tissue. Most importantly, it provides you a method of recording your results accurately for month to month comparisons, and it may be used to show your doctor your findings. - I have lumpy breasts, so should I still do monthly breast self examinations?
Yes. By using the Mark for Life product you can record the characteristics of your breasts, thereby becoming familiar with what is normal for you and detecting any changes that may be occurring. - Why do some organizations suggest not doing monthly breast self exams anymore?
The main reason for this recommendation is that women were having a lot of anxiety due to their inability to differentiate their breasts' changes from month to month. The Mark for Life product alleviates anxiety by providing a way to mark the characteristics of the breast on the shirt. This allows for easy comparisons from month to month. - What am I looking for when I do my breast self-examination?
You are feeling for a firm lump or area of thickening that is different from the rest of your breast tissue. In addition, you should look for a change in size or shape of your breast, a spontaneous discharge from the nipple, or a change in the color or feel of the breast, areola or nipple. If you are not sure what you are feeling, visit your doctor and get his or her opinion. Women should promptly report any breast abnormalities to their physician. - This shirt seems very small, how is it going to fit?
The shirt is made of a very stretchy fabric and is supposed to fit very snugly. Remember, it has to keep your breasts in place. - When should I do my monthly exam?
If you still get your period, do your exam 3-5 days after it ends. If you do not get your period, then choose a day that is easy to remember and do your exam on that same day each month. Included in you Mark for Life kit are stickers for you to put on your calendar. Please visit our website at www.markforlife.com to sign up for our monthly e-mail reminder. - If I use the Mark for Life shirt, do I need to do anything else to prevent breast cancer?
Yes. Mark for Life is only one piece of the puzzle. In addition to monthly breast self examinations, it is recommended that all women should have yearly exams by their doctor and women over 40 should get regular mammograms. - What if I find a lump or something unusual while doing my exam?
Eight out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous, however if you have found a lump, contact your doctor immediately (National Breast Cancer Foundation). - Where can I obtain additional information on breast cancer?
We recommend contacting the numerous breast cancer organizations that exist, such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society. They have a wealth on information available.
