<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Check for a Lump]]></title><description><![CDATA[We provide free breast health education, mammograms, testing, and assistance to breast cancer patients with wigs, support, and resources.]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2026 10:19:19 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.checkforalump.net/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk]]></title><description><![CDATA[Your risk is personal—and understanding it empowers you. If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Am I at high risk for breast cancer?" you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions women ask their doctors. The answer, however, isn't a simple yes or no. Breast cancer risk is influenced by a complex interplay of factors—some within your control, and some that are simply part of who you are. The good news? Understanding your personal risk profile doesn't have to be overwhelming. In...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/understanding-your-personal-breast-cancer-risk</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a839f75becb69ff147eb033</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:29:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_dced6c50f3bd40249fe68fb54cfa4a7d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Progress, Persistence, and the Path to Equity in Breast Cancer Screening]]></title><description><![CDATA[Access shouldn’t determine outcomes. Equity saves lives. In June 2026, Arizona took a significant step forward. Governor Katie Hobbs signed SB1165 (Breast Cancer Screening Continuum) into law, a bill that prohibits health insurers from imposing cost-sharing requirements for preventive breast cancer screenings and follow-up diagnostic services. This means that for many Arizonans, starting January 2027, the financial barrier to a mammogram or a necessary follow-up exam will be removed. This is...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/progress-persistence-and-the-path-to-equity-in-breast-cancer-screening</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a56855b5e603ccfb32fa435</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:56:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_d0d00b5f153245dbaf40bb0feae42dc5~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_641,h_450,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Life After Treatment: What Breast Cancer Survivorship Really Looks Like]]></title><description><![CDATA[When you're going through breast cancer treatment, everyone talks about the finish line. Ringing the bell. Taking that last pill. Hearing your doctor say those words you've been waiting for. And don't get me wrong, that moment is huge. It's emotional, it's relieving, and it deserves all the celebration in the world. But here's what nobody really prepares you for: survivorship isn't a finish line. It's a whole new chapter. And honestly? It comes with its own set of challenges, surprises, and...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/life-after-treatment-what-breast-cancer-survivorship-really-looks-like</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a319eb7655fbab867106e00</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:33:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_d536c33193c6409c8e334944f9eb60b7~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Caregivers Need Care Too: Supporting the Supporters]]></title><description><![CDATA[When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, all eyes naturally turn to the patient. And rightfully so. They are the ones facing treatment, surgery, and the daily physical reality of the disease. But standing just behind them—often invisible, always exhausted—is the caregiver. The spouse who sleeps in an uncomfortable hospital chair. The adult child who juggles work, kids, and medication schedules. The best friend who drives to every appointment while quietly swallowing their own fears....]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/caregivers-need-care-too-supporting-the-supporters</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0662557326fc782b54f825</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 00:10:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_9828c52f12ea4776ad6138ad1f7259f7~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Emotional Side of Breast Cancer We Don’t Talk About Enough]]></title><description><![CDATA[When we think about breast cancer, our minds immediately go to the physical: the surgery, the chemotherapy, the radiation, the scars. We talk about tumor sizes and hormone receptors. We wear pink and walk for cures. But there is a silent, heavy companion that walks every single mile of this journey with the patient: Emotion. While medicine focuses on saving the breast or eradicating the cell, the heart and mind are often left to fend for themselves. Yet, for many survivors, the emotional...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/the-emotional-side-of-breast-cancer-we-don-t-talk-about-enough</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a065f2f7326fc782b54f0ff</guid><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 23:59:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_0d6d0588994247e69c5815bf7fca96c5~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Foods That Support Breast Health: What Science Says]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to breast health, we hear a lot of claims. "This superfood prevents cancer!" "Avoid that food at all costs!" It can be overwhelming and misleading. While no single food guarantees prevention, a growing body of peer-reviewed research shows that certain dietary patterns and specific nutrients are associated with lower breast cancer risk and better outcomes for survivors. Let's cut through the noise and look at what the science actually says. The Big Picture: Patterns, Not Magic...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/foods-that-support-breast-health-what-science-says</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e93ae525a9c96f142b0b8b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:21:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_5e8ac57bdbcd400cb6a4ed1a9a4e7a59~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_675,h_380,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating Women Who Inspire: Women’s History Month]]></title><description><![CDATA[March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor strong, brave women who have made a difference. At Check for a Lump, we celebrate women who share their breast cancer survivor stories, support others, and help raise breast cancer awareness. ]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/celebrating-women-who-inspire-women-s-history-month</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69af46bf1b8e90b2a7e95e2e</guid><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:31:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_500b243bf1924fd7abe27c3c34e8bbc9~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>laurapentsa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Heart–Breast Health Connection Every Survivor Should Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[Breast cancer survivorship is about more than reaching the end of treatment, it’s about protecting your long-term health and quality of life. One important connection that often goes unmentioned is the link between breast cancer and heart health.]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/the-heart-breast-health-connection-every-survivor-should-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699e374be9360bd69c34cf54</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:53:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_663b00ec7a0a4723ba8fcd615a532dba~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>laurapentsa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Food Pyramid &#38; Renewed Focus on Whole Foods]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve followed Check for a Lump for any length of time, you already know this about us: we are big believers in nutrient-rich, colorful, whole foods. From the very beginning, nutrition facts have been a foundational part of our prevention and education program, because what we fuel our bodies with matters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 5–10% of breast cancers are hereditary. The majority are considered sporadic, meaning they develop over time due...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/new-food-pyramid-renewed-focus-on-whole-foods</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69695200482610fa288e3a2d</guid><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:56:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_a291cb341c3a4947b6b461892879149a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_865,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>laurapentsa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advancing Breast Cancer Prevention Through Community Partnership: Check for a Lump’s 2025 Impact]]></title><description><![CDATA[At Check for a Lump, our mission has always been rooted in breast cancer awareness, early detection, prevention, and community support. In 2025, that mission reached new heights through an incredible collaborative effort that strengthened access to free mammograms, breast health education, and preventive care for those who need it most. We are deeply honored to be the recipient of a partnered community health grant alongside Mission of Mercy  (MOM) and Diana Gregory’s Fresh Market . This...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/advancing-breast-cancer-prevention-through-community-partnership-check-for-a-lump-s-2025-impact</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69693e90022bfc82f763f27e</guid><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:36:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_8d0a6a1cf9ef452f9e29e8caaa1fc73f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>laurapentsa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pink Soirée - Thank you!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wow, our hearts are absolutely bursting with gratitude! If you joined us for our very first Pink Soirée, thank you from the bottom of our...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/the-pink-soir%C3%A9e-thank-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67c60a6d6843921b111f2c54</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:40:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_91362135dad44338b1d6199c0509af1a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Directions in Breast Cancer Prevention - Vaccines]]></title><description><![CDATA[I was honored to be able to attend the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in December and learn about so many things! As part of...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/new-directions-in-breast-cancer-prevention-vaccines</link><guid isPermaLink="false">677d6e97dae421393b4d8773</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2025 19:47:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_f975dbc887fa45869fd1b0b0129acbbd~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thank You for an Incredible October of Fundraising!]]></title><description><![CDATA[With October behind us, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/thank-you-for-an-incredible-october-of-fundraising</link><guid isPermaLink="false">673bc50bd8af4541306453cd</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:54:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_c051b22d21b34b55925cc4ba6672f17e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_871,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thank You for Making the 8th Annual Pink Out 5K a Huge Success!]]></title><description><![CDATA[To all who joined us for Check for a Lump's 8th Annual Pink Out 5K, thank you! Despite the intense heat, your incredible energy, support,...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/thank-you-for-making-the-8th-annual-pink-out-5k-a-huge-success</link><guid isPermaLink="false">673bc0a1de2b8aac07586055</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:50:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_5f97a896a4924486ad6d4608869c250f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_700,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fitz's supper club red carpet!]]></title><description><![CDATA[I had the privilege of meeting and talking with Larry Fitzgerald and Danielle Frost, Executive Director of The Larry Fitzgerald...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/fitz-s-supper-club-red-carpet</link><guid isPermaLink="false">665f98d61c08868c7a2441d1</guid><pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 2024 00:50:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_1ee7bf55196449babf1e1fbe9a04287d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers at Check for a Lump]]></title><description><![CDATA[Volunteers are the heart and soul of Check for a Lump. As the Executive Director and a breast cancer survivor myself, I know firsthand...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/celebrating-our-incredible-volunteers-at-check-for-a-lump</link><guid isPermaLink="false">661ece2bb9496a8938c1fd02</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2024 21:47:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_e0aad3581266469d87a91256b50a77aa~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_510,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Find It Early Act, H.R. 3086]]></title><description><![CDATA[Check for a Lump, along with more than 40 organizations, in support of the Find It Early Act, H.R. 3086. This legislation would ensure...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/find-it-early-act-h-r-3086</link><guid isPermaLink="false">656e4bac01774d0c9b9687a0</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:11:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_aacd7e9dfb484b409e9e788f8f0450a1~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Gratitude-filled Thanksgiving for the Support of Check for a Lump]]></title><description><![CDATA[As the season changes from summer to fall, we find ourselves approaching a time of reflection, appreciation, and togetherness -...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/giving-thanks-a-gratitude-filled-thanksgiving-for-the-support-of-check-for-a-lump</link><guid isPermaLink="false">655e57eeb614566e0a6a38c1</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Nov 2023 20:01:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_ad5e7a7d8e5d4c1fbe7d709c7efb528a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Heartfelt Thank You for the Success of THE Pink Out 5K]]></title><description><![CDATA[To our Check for a Lump supporters and friends, I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on the tremendous success of the 7th Annual Pink...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/a-heartfelt-thank-you-for-the-success-of-the-pink-out-5k</link><guid isPermaLink="false">652cbf5ea0626db96a6ef6c1</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Oct 2023 05:12:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_d00eaeb3b3ab4a1c8d2181ed032d291c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[THIS IS OUR WHY]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the hustle and bustle of our lives, it's easy to forget the reasons that drive us and the impact we create in our community. As summer...]]></description><link>https://www.checkforalump.org/this-is-our-why</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64fe6eed47ceb4485964d202</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Sep 2023 02:16:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/559c0e_c3871fddfb8e4cd9844237c23ac5551b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_901,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Ashley Plum</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>