Breast cancer can be detected through a mammogram up to three years before patients can feel any changes. That’s why staying up to date on annual screening mammograms after the age of 40 is important. As the second leading cause of cancer death in women, finding breast cancer early means 98% of patients live to become survivors.
To increase exposure for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Northern Light Health is going pink in October! Staff will wear pink shirts on Fridays and breast cancer ribbons all month long. Pink lights will brighten Northern Light Health hospitals and care centers across the state in support of patients who face breast cancer and a reminder to take an active role in breast health.
To improve access to mammograms in rural areas, Northern Light Health’s mobile mammography unit is offering walk-in appointments in locations including Windham, Sangerville and Greenville. Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital has opened Saturday appointments throughout October. Individuals in need of support to help cover the cost of a mammogram can ask for financial assistance information when scheduling.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer deaths have declined in the last 30 years by 42% because of improvements in early detection and treatment. Talk to friends and family about scheduling their annual screening mammogram online today at northernlighthealth.org/ScheduleaMammogram. Established Northern Light Health patients can schedule a screening mammogram by logging into their patient portal (https://northernlighthealth.org/myNorthernLightHealth/Home).
Getting a screening is the best way to detect breast cancer, but there are lots of ways to lower the risk of developing breast cancer, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious food, cutting out smoking, limiting alcohol and staying physically active. To learn more about other factors that may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer, patients are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider about family history, ethnicity and genetics.
