| October
is breast cancer awareness month
St. Mary’s Hospital wants to remind everyone that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They also want to remind women of the importance of screening and the early detection of breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point during her life. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women. The good news; many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram, the screening test for breast cancer, can help find breast cancer early. A mammogram is an x-ray that allows a qualified specialist to examine the breast tissue for any suspicious areas. The breast is exposed to a small dose of iodizing radiation that produces an image of the breast tissue. Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt. They also can show tiny clusters of calcium called microcalcifications. Lumps or specks can be caused by cancer, fatty cells, or other conditions like cysts. Further tests are needed to find out if abnormal cells are present. St. Mary’s will be offering mammograms on October 23rd in Cottonwood and on October 30th at the Grangeville Clinic. Call 962-3267 to schedule an appointment in Cottonwood and 983-6027 to schedule one in Grangeville. Remember; early detection can save lives. |
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