October Breast Cancer Screening Awareness Month by Megan Reed, NP
Every October is breast cancer awareness month which helps bring attention to the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in women behind skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Idaho ranks 50th in the United States for breast cancer screening.
Current screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society recommend mammogram screening starting at the age of 45 until 74 annually. Breast cancer screening between the ages of 40-44 is decided based on family and patient risk and is something great to talk to your provider about.
Not only do we encourage mammograms to help screen for breast cancer but there are numerous healthy habits that you can do to help decrease your risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and participating in physical activity 3-4 times a week, limiting alcohol consumption are all simple lifestyle choices that can decrease your risk. Have a family history of breast cancer? We offer various genetic testing to help identify your risk of cancer and then can make screening decisions based on those results.
Schedule your wellness today so we can be sure you are up to date on your screening recommendations!
Recent Comments