STE. GENEVIEVE — It’s October, and that means the color pink will start appearing everywhere – and for good reason. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to promote prevention, diagnosis, treatments and cures. Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital reminds you of four ways to make the most of this important month.
Be Aware
This month starts with just being informed.
“About one in eight women in America will experience breast cancer during their lifetime,” according to Theresa Cavins, M.D., SGCMH breast surgeon. “While men can get breast cancer too, it is much more common in women, with women over 50 being most at risk.”
Check your health
Further, if they haven’t done so already, October is also a good time to get in the habit of having regular breast exams.
“A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat,” said Dr. Cavins. “In addition, one of the first lines of defense against breast cancer is being vigilant with self-exams. Experts recommend checking breasts every month both visually and by touch, paying attention to any changes in how the breast or nipple looks or feels.”
Improve your lifestyle
During this month, another proactive step is to make changes in your lifestyle that can both improve your health and reduce your risk of cancer and other disease and health issues.
“It’s like lifestyle medicine, and it involves addressing nutrition, physical activity, and chronic stress in order to live healthier,” explained Dr. Cavins.
Here are her main lifestyle tips for preventing breast cancer:
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause.
Stay physically active.
Do not smoke. Smoking is linked to a number of diseases, including breast cancer in younger, premenopausal women.
Watch your diet. Eating too much saturated fat and not enough fruits and vegetables increases risk.
Cut back on alcohol. According to Breastcancer.org, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15 percent higher risk of breast cancer, compared to women who don’t drink at all.
Spread the word
Lastly, an important thing to do during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is simply Raise Awareness.
“Most people can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early,” said Dr. Cavins. “Talk to others about risk factors and lifestyle changes. Encourage your loved ones to get regular exams. Reach out to a loved one who is experiencing breast cancer and lend your support. And, join local events and races that raise money and create even more awareness.”
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in women. During October and every month, take steps to stay healthy. Everything you do counts.
For more information on breast cancer risk factors visit www.stegenevievehospital.org or call Metis Breast Center at 573-483-2525.
Metis Breast Center is a medical facility of Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital located in the Bloomsdale Medical Centre, 255 Boderman Lane, Bloomsdale, MO.
Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital is a nonprofit county owned community hospital that works to continue to improve the health and well-being of the community. Our professional staff uses advanced technology and medicine to provide excellent, personalized, and compassionate healthcare. For more information on Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, visit stegenevievehospital.org.