Within our Walls: Breast Cancer Awareness

October is breast cancer awareness month. Everyone can name someone that has been affected by breast cancer due to the fact that it affects 1 in 8 women. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cancer death in women. Starting yearly mammograms at age 40 has helped cut breast cancer deaths by more than 40 percent.

That being said, only 10% of women receiving mammograms at CHI Carrington are between the ages of 40 and 49. This statistic is alarming. If you are 40 or over, do yourself a favor and come in to get your baseline mammogram screening. Seventy-five percent of women who get breast cancer are of "average risk" – with no family history of the disease or other high risk factors. Some of the factors associated with breast cancer, such as being a woman, age and genetics, for example, can't be changed. However, by making healthy lifestyle choices, you can ensure your breast cancer risk is as low as possible. Mammograms can find tumors too small to be felt. Here at CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington, we offer 3D mammography. With this top of the line technology, earlier and more accurate cancer detection with fewer unnecessary call-backs are some of the main benefits. Delayed or less frequent screening also exposes women to more extensive and expensive treatment than if their cancer were found early by a mammogram.

Breast cancer also affects men. Breast cancer is most often found in men in their 60s. About 2,710 American men this year are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and about 530 are expected to die from the disease. But lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care.

Men are encouraged to perform regular breast exams looking for any hard knots or areas of thickening in the breast and under the arm. If any irregularities are noted, men should reach out to their primary provider for further testing.

This year we are partnering with Foster County Public Health and the Foster County Independent to raise awareness about breast health. Bras 4 A Cause is in full swing and if you'd like to participate, give Foster County Public Health a call at (701) 652-3087.

CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington's Mammography Department accepts donations throughout the year for the Breast Patient Assistance Fund. Some donations to the fund are used to purchase gas cards for patients who need to travel for further breast imaging. Funds are also used for care packages that are sent to our patients that have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The care packages include various items to help them through their cancer journey. These gifts would not be possible without the community's support and generous donations.

Please, take the time for yourself and schedule now, 701-652-7151. No provider's order needed! We look forward to serving you!