Breast Cancer Awareness Month Is Almost Here: Schedule Your Mammogram Today

As we prepare for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, now is the perfect time to think about your health and make sure you’re up to date on your breast cancer screening.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but it’s also one of the most treatable when it’s found early. A mammogram can detect breast cancer before it can be felt or causes symptoms, giving you more treatment options and a better chance for a full recovery. That’s why staying current with recommended screenings is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

For American Indian and Alaska Native women, breast cancer is an important health concern. Native women are more likely than White women to be diagnosed at a later stage when treatment can be more difficult. Barriers such as long travel distances, limited access to care, and delayed screening have contributed to these differences. Regular mammograms can help change that by finding cancer earlier, when it’s most treatable.

Taking care of your health is also a way of caring for your family, your community, and future generations. Every screening is an investment in the time you’ll spend with the people who love you and depend on you. When we take care of ourselves, we help strengthen the entire community.

Current recommendations encourage women at average risk to begin regular mammograms at age 40. Some people may need screening earlier based on their personal or family medical history. If you’re not sure whether you’re due for a mammogram, your care team can help. A quick phone call or conversation during your next visit is all it takes to find out if it’s time to schedule your screening.

UIHS is working to make screening more convenient. Our Population Health Team is bringing a mobile mammography event to Potawot Health Village in September. This is a great opportunity for clients to receive this important screening close to home. We may have reached out to you to schedule a screening at this event. We encourage you to reach out to our event coordinator, Julia Metro – 707. 825.4123, to find out if this event is right for you.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, consider making this the year you put your health first. Early detection saves lives, and a mammogram is one of the best tools we have to find breast cancer early. We look forward to helping you take this important step toward protecting your health.