Within our Walls: October 10, 2022

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. 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 like being a woman, your age, and your 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.

Breast cancer also affects men. One out of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses made in the United States is in men. Breast cancer is most often found in men in their sixties. Men are diagnosed with the same type of breast cancers that women are, except for obvious reasons, cancer involving the parts of the breast that store milk. Breast irregularities are easier to feel in men due to their smaller amounts of breast tissue. 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.

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. We look forward to serving you!