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PETOSKEY – Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Although the number of breast cancer deaths has decreased, it remains the second largest number of cancer deaths among women.
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is time to remind women of the screening guidelines and risk factors associated with this disease.
Mammograms can help detect breast cancer at an early stage, when treatments are more likely to succeed. For women at average risk of breast cancer, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends an annual mammogram for women 40 years and older.
However, anyone with a family history of breast cancer should consult their primary care physician if they need to be screened sooner.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
• Being a woman: Although men may have breast cancer, this disease is about 100 times more common in women than men.
• Aging: As people get older, the risk of breast cancer increases.
• Certain inherited genes: it is estimated that 5 to 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary.
• dense breast tissue, relative to adipose tissue; early menstruation before the age of 12; and reach menopause after the age of 55 also contribute to the development of breast cancer.
In addition to proven risk factors, an important way to reduce the incidence of breast cancer is to lead a life of health and well-being in general. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet of whole foods, by limiting daily alcohol consumption to 6 ounces of wine or 1 ounce of alcohol for women and participating in a routine routine. Exercises daily. This, combined with annual self-examination and mammography, will help reduce the rates of breast cancer and breast cancer deaths.
For those diagnosed with breast cancer, several support services are available. At McLaren Northern Michigan, a full-time nurse navigator guides patients through diagnosis, surgery and other treatments.
"The goal is to connect patients to the resources they need and enable them to experience the best possible experience throughout the care process," said Melissa DeSimone, Registered Nurse, MSN, OCN, RCCS, nurse navigator in breast health. "We also offer support services, such as oncology dietitian, social work, Look Good Feel Better program, Just For Us support group, transportation assistance, referral to free hair salon programs, licensed fitters in mastectomy, lymphedema clinics, therapies a series on survival and a connection to many other resources to help patients with insurance or financial problems. "
The nurse navigator position is funded by generous donations to the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation, as well as comfort kits, post-surgical clothing and free mammograms for patients meeting certain criteria.
"I am very fortunate to be able to help patients throughout their cancer journey," said DeSimone.
Mammography is available in many places. McLaren Northern Michigan offers services to Cheboygan, Petoskey and Rogers City. More advanced imaging services, such as MRI and stereotactic breast biopsy, are available at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. Ask for a referral to a primary care provider or specialist in obstetrics / gynecology.
For more details on nearby breast health services and other health information, visit mclaren.org/northern or call (800) 248-6777.
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