It is October. Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This time of year, I always like to share resources and offer my South Florida readers access to Baptist Health South Florida’s discount screenings. Unfortunately, many of us have been affected by Breast Cancer in some way. This year, one of my dearest friends and mom of three in her mid thirties was diagnosed, underwent a double mastectomy and is now enduring chemotherapy. In honor of BC awareness, I will be sharing her story next week. Her spirit and strength through this process has been unbelievable with her main message being: “You are the boss of your own body. No one will take care or know your body the way you do. If you feel something, do something, don’t bury your head in the sand, call the doctor and make an appointment.”
In terms of cancer prevention, awareness and healthy living are top of the list, but of course, genetics play a large role. With that said, American Cancer Society (ACS) research says about 42 percent of cancer cases and 45 percent of cancer deaths in the United States are linked to modifiable risk factors – making them preventable. Like other cancers, breast cancer prevention has a lot to do with living a healthy lifestyle. Adopting specific healthy habits can extend a man’s life expectancy by 14 years and add an average of 12 years to women’s lives, according to a study published earlier this year in the American Heart Association journal Circulation. They include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Not smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol
Modifiable risk factors are within our control, but there are other things to look into!
- GET YOUR ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM: Starting at 40 years old
- Women who are at AVERAGE risk should start getting annual mammograms at 40 years old. Women with a family history should be assessed by a doctor and per their recommendation may begin mammography screenings earlier.
- According to this arcticle, one in six breast cancers occur in women ages 40-49. Early detection of breast cancer in a localized state, found in women between 40 and 45 have an almost 100 percent five year survival rate.
- FAMILY HISTORY
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- Ethnicity and family history plays a large role in developing breast cancer.
- Speak with your doctor about your family history as this will affect the age at which they begin breast cancer screening.
- For young women who do not meet criteria to start mammograms before the age of 40, Dr. Mautner stresses the importance of self-exam, familiarity with family history and general knowledge of breast cancer as steps they can take to start screening early.“It’s important that women of all ages – from teenagers and young adults to older women – have a general understanding of breast cancer, the signs and symptoms and what to do if they feel something abnormal,” Dr. Mautner adds. “If a mass is found either by the patient or by her physician, it should be taken seriously and worked up with appropriate imaging and biopsied when warranted.”
Screening Guidelines
Here are breast cancer screening guidelines from the American Society of Breast Surgeons:
- Women age 25 or older should undergo formal risk assessment for breast cancer.
- Women with an average risk of breast cancer should initiate yearly screening mammography at age 40.
- Women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer should undergo yearly screening mammography and be offered yearly supplemental imaging; this screening should be initiated at a risk-based age.
- Screening mammography should cease when life expectancy is less than 10 years.
Click here to learn more about screening based on Your Level of Risk
Special Mammogram Pricing For Readers With Baptist Health South Florida Access:
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Baptist Health is offering special pricing for mammograms for those without insurance throughout October. A screening mammogram is $50 and a diagnostic mammogram is $100, including the radiologist’s fee and 3-D mammography. The offer is available throughout Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A prescription is required. If diagnosed, Baptist has MCI or Miami Cancer Institute and they will be here every step of the way!
For patients who don’t have a referring physician: call 786-596-2464 in Miami-Dade, Broward or Monroe; or call Bethesda Women’s Health Center in Palm Beach at 561-374-5300. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit BaptistHealth.net/BreastHealth. For appointments in Palm Beach, visit BethesdaWeb.com/BreastHealth. Boca locations will also be participating – for more details please call 561-955-4700.