October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Practice self-care by completing a self-check for signs and symptoms or schedule a mammogram.

Published: October 4, 2022

At Norton Healthcare, we believe annual mammograms are one of the most important forms of self-care a woman can practice. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual reminder to do a self-check for signs and symptoms, schedule a mammogram and keep in mind those who are fighting breast cancer or have lost their lives to the disease.

Schedule Your Mammogram Today

We’ve made it easy to schedule your mammogram with:

• Easy online scheduling
• Same-day results for most patients, at no additional cost
• Multiple screening locations, including a mobile prevention unit
• State-of-the-art 3D mammogram technology
• Extended hours

Commit to Monthly Self-exams

• The best time to do a self-exam is the week after your period ends.
• Begin by standing in front of the mirror with your hands on your hips. Look for any unusual swelling or changes.
• Raise your arms over your head and look for changes.
• Lie down — or while in the shower when your skin is more slippery — and use one of these techniques to check for lumps or other changes.

Breast Cancer Fast Facts

• One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• About 1% of men are diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Early detection reduces deaths from breast cancer.
• Women over 40 should get a mammogram yearly or as directed by your provider.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women.
• Over 3 million people are breast cancer survivors.

How to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

• Be active by exercising most days of the week (walking, jogging, yoga, etc.).
• Maintain a healthy weight. Know your body mass index (BMI), and if you are in the obese or morbidly obese range, lose weight.
• Don’t smoke. If you do, stop.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.