Breast cancer affects over 285,000 women each year. Although there have been many advancements that make this disease more survivable than ever before, over 50,000 lives are lost each year in the United States.
This October, please join us in the fight against breast cancer.
Get an annual exam. Make an appointment to see your primary care provider, if you haven’t already, and take part in a conversation about breast health. Your family history might mean you are at higher risk, for example, if your mother had breast cancer at a young age. Your provider can refer you to resources for screening and early detection. If you have a family history, you may qualify to get a mammogram earlier than most women. Men can get breast cancer, too – even though it’s rare. Any unusual lump or change in how your breasts feel is something to mention to your clinician.
If you’re 40, schedule yearly mammograms. Women, starting at 40, should get an annual mammogram. Ourleading-edge breast exams include 3-D mammography, the gold standard in early detection. Just call 605-925-2105 to schedule your exam.
Early detection means that breast cancer is detected in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable.
Talk to loved ones. No one wants to sit down with their wife, mom, sister, daughter or girlfriend to talk about breast cancer. But doing so truly shows how much you care. Let them know how mammography makes life-and-death differences for millions every year. If you had your exam, try to reach out to a friend or family member who is dragging their feet about it. Tell them about your experience. Tell them peace of mind is worth a few moments of discomfort.
Survivors deserve support. Breast cancer survivors are all around us, in fact, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer. With the latest technology leading to earlier detection along with improving cancer treatments, there’s more reason for optimism than ever before. You may want to participate in local or regional events that supports survivors. If someone you know receives a breast cancer diagnosis, please support them in whatever ways you can on their cancer journey.
Help us prevent cancer all year. Each of us can eat healthier and be more active – in addition to annual exams and screening.
The hunts, harvests and other enjoyable parts of this change of seasons are all reasons to appreciate life and do what we can to impact the lives of others.