Did you know 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime?
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Although prognosis and detection have improved in recent years, awareness, healthy lifestyle choices, and screenings are still vital to reducing the impact of breast cancer.
How can you lower your risk?
There are many factors that can influence your breast cancer risk such as family history and getting older. There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but lifestyle changes can help lower your risk:
Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly
Consume alcohol in moderation.
Avoid or limit the duration of postmenopausal hormone therapy.
Breastfeed your children, if possible
What can I do to find breast cancer early?
Regular breast self-exams can be an important way to find breast cancer early, when it’s more likely to be treated successfully. Although no single test can detect all breast cancers early, many people report that performing a breast self-exam in combination with these screening methods can increase the odds of early detection:
- regular physical exams by a doctor
- mammography
- ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or both
How to check for breast cancer at home
Step 1: Examine your breasts in a mirror with hands on hips and look for changes to the skin and nipple.
Step 2: Raise arms and examine your breasts for the same changes and for signs of fluid coming out of the nipples.
 Step 3: Feel for breast lumps while lying down.
Step 4: Feel Your Breasts for Lumps While Standing or Sitting
This information is provided by Breastcancer.org.
Breast and chest self-exams for trans and nonbinary people
Though the research is limited, transgender men and women who have breast tissue are thought to be at a higher risk for breast cancer than cisgender men. Because of this, they may also consider performing breast or chest self-examinations monthly. Chest masculinization surgery does not remove all breast tissue, so even transgender people who have this surgery are at risk for breast cancer and should consider chest self-examinations.
Mammography and other screenings
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that most
women who are at average risk and are 50 to 74 years old get a mammogram every 2 years. If you’re 40 to 49 years old, talk to your doctor about when to start screenings.
Appliance Park and Roper:
You can schedule an appointment with your CareATC provider to discuss your screening options by calling 800.993.8244 (hablamos español). Mammograms will be available on-site in November, so call today schedule an appointment.
Roper On-site Mammograms November 6 and 7
Call 423.495.4040 to schedule an appointment
Appliance Park On-site Mammograms November 7 and 8
Call 502.452.0777 to schedule an appointment