Recommendations from the American Cancer Society for breast cancer screenings have changed per these guidelines:
- Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so.
- Women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women age 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or may continue annual screenings.
Some individuals have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. For these women, the ideal screening routine is best determined with a healthcare provider.
All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening. They also should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a health care provider right away.
Some healthy tips to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, and other cancers as well, include:
- Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 30 min./day.
- Limit alcohol to one drink or less per day.
- Eat a healthy diet with whole grains, vegetables, fruit and smaller portions of meat.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to schedule your mammogram and to work on living a healthy lifestyle. Riverwood is offering extended breast cancer screening hours on late afternoons/evenings in October, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, 12 and 26. For an appointment, call Riverwood’s Radiology department at (218) 927-5515
For more information on breast cancer services available at Riverwood, go to https://riverwoodhealthcare.org/specialties/cancer-oncology/