October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Oct 10, 2018 7:47:29 AM / by Voyage Healthcare Team posted in Women's Health

Think Pink for the Month of October!

October marks a worldwide campaign dedicated to the awareness of breast cancer. Multiple organizations highlight the importance of education and research for breast cancer, as well as what to look for in an effort to increase early detection. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of beating it. During Breast Cancer Awareness month, Voyage Healthcare wants you to know that a mammogram is the most important tool in the early detection of breast cancer.

awareness-cancer-design-pink-ribbon

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, as 1 in 8 women will experience it within their lifetime. The Center for Disease Control states “for every 100,000 women, 125 new Female Breast Cancer cases were reported,” and while that number has decreased since the mid-1970s, breast cancer is still very prevalent today. 

The TLC’s of Breast Cancer

Lumps and pain in your breast are not healthy and may signal signs of potential breast cancer. An easy thing to remember when checking your body? Keep it simple with TLC: Touch, Look, Check.

  • Touch: Does anything feel different or unusual? It’s important to note that lumps may not be seen, but they may be felt physically.
  • Look: Does anything look different in size and shape of the breasts? Things to look for: size, shape, texture, coloration, discharge, rash, etc.
  • Check: If you have noticed any change, check with your provider right away.

Some of these symptoms won’t always signal breast cancer, but keeping up with the TLC’s and having regular mammograms will help in the long-run. Always remember, that if you are worried, see your provider and they will assess you.

What To Do to Lower Your Risk

Aside from genetics and getting older, there are some risk factors that you might be able to control. Below, we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to help improve your health and keep your risk for breast cancer low.

  • Maintain a healthy weight range
  • Regularly exercise
  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • Reduce tobacco consumption

Ask your doctors about your risks for breast cancer and what you need to do to maintain a lower risk.

Get Screened At Voyage Healthcare

Voyage Healthcare's Center for Women’s Health in Plymouth offers new state-of-the-art digital mammography. You don’t need an appointment for a mammogram, just walk right in at our Center For Women’s Health, and check it off your to-do list today. Additionally, a gift will be presented to patients who have their mammograms done during the month of October. 

Visit our Center for Women’s Health today and get to know all about breast cancer awareness, education, and how you can help with research.

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Voyage Healthcare Team

Written by Voyage Healthcare Team

Voyage Healthcare is an independently owned, multi-specialty healthcare clinic — guided by the doctors who care for families in the northwest metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

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