DID YOU KNOW THAT 1 IN 8 WOMEN WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER IN HER LIFETIME?
This year we RISE to ensure every woman has access to the screenings she needs and the support she deserves.
At the Kenosha Community Health Center, we offer annual physical exams and recommend screenings for every woman in our community. Breast cancer death rates are 40% higher among black women than white women, which reinforces the importance of screening for everyone.
Women between 40 and 44 should have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms.
Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Johns Hopkins Medical center states, “forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”
While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your healthcare professional if there are any changes.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that looks for changes that may be signs of breast cancer. Getting regular screening with a mammogram is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early. Breast cancer that’s found early, when it’s small and has not spread, is easier to treat successfully.
KATIE COURIC ENCOURAGES ANNUAL SCREENING
Journalist Katie Couric was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 21, 2022, after her doctor reminded her she was past due for a mammogram. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for women to put off screenings and mammograms.
There are programs that exist to provide mammogram services to low-income and uninsured women.
Early detection is the key to saving lives and that begins with taking the time to complete monthly breast self-exams and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Although you cannot prevent cancer, some habits that can help reduce your risk are:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active
- Eat fruits and vegetables
- Do not smoke
- Limit alcohol consumption
Do not wait to schedule your appointment.
Kenosha Community Health Center has many appointment options in Kenosha and Silver Lake to meet your needs.
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