By Cindy Stephens DNP, RN, FNP-BC
(who also shared the lovely pink rose at right)
Every day, thousands of women around the world will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That represents about 1 in 8 women, so chances are we will all know several people affected by this terrible disease.
WHEN TO GET ONE
There are differing medical opinions on how often women should have their mammograms. The frequency, whether yearly, biennial or more often, depends on an individual’s risk. There are many factors, including, age, breast density, whether you take hormones, your age when you get your first period, whether you have ever had a breast biopsy, your family history and more, that can affect the advice you are given by your medical provider. The best plan comes from a shared decision approach, where women discuss their options with their health care provider annually.
WHERE SHOULD YOU GO FOR YOUR MAMMOGRAM
Call your insurance company to obtain a list of covered providers
No insurance? Call Buncombe Co Department of Health at 828-250-6006 for information on the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (Ladies Night Out)
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER?
• EXAMINE your breasts monthly. http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
• EAT: 4-5 servings of green vegetables and fruits daily. One piece of dark chocolate daily.
• MOVE: 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly.
• DRINK less alcohol (No more than 1 glass a day), MORE water.
• GET a good night’s sleep, so your immune system is strong.
• MEDITATE. Instead of answering all those notifications from Facebook, take the time to meditate using one of these apps: CALM https://www.calm.com/ , HEADSPACE https://www.headspace.com/ , MEDITATIONOASIS https://www.meditationoasis.com/apps/
• DON’T lose it over a lump. Four out of five lumps are benign. Use the walk-in clinic at The Family Health Centers to get immediate help.
Remember, take care of yourself, and don’t forget to smell the roses.