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.

October 1, 2019

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

• Book your appointment online at NortonHealthcare.com/Mammogram
• Choose from five fixed locations: Norton Audubon Hospital, Norton Diagnostic Center – Fern Creek, Norton Breast Health Center – Brownsboro, Norton Healthcare Pavilion and the Derby Divas Breast Health Center at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
• Use the Norton Healthcare Mobile Prevention Center — a 40-foot truck that makes stops around the Louisville area.

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 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.