October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and FOX 13 along with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah want to remind you that now is the time to schedule your health screenings.
Dr. Amy Khan, Executive Medical Director for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah says, "2020 has certainly been a powerful reminder that we are all in this together. Now is a really good time to encourage your loved ones to schedule their mammograms, or schedule one for yourself."
Dr. Khan says this month helps bring critical recognition to a common caner that affects so many families."In fact, women in the US have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime."
And the American Cancer Society estimates 42-thousand women will die from breast cancer this year, and men are not immune.
"There are some things you can do to lower your risk, and these include maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and for those of you who drink alcohol, limiting the amount of alcoholic drinks to no more than 1 per day for women and no more than 2 per day for men," says Khan.
The American Cancer Society Recommends women between the ages of 45 and 54 receive an annual mammogram, and women 55 and older schedule one every other year. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations differ slightly, stating that women between the ages of 50 and 74 years should get a screening mammogram every other year.
Khan says, "The task force also notes that some women may choose to start screening between the ages of 40 to 49, particularly if they're at greater risk for breast cancer."
Early detection is key, says Khan, and screenings are your best option since symptoms aren't usually the reason people find out they have breast cancer.
Khan says the good news is that most people survive breast cancer if it is found and treated early.
Tap here for more resources information about breast cancer prevention and treatment from Regence BlueCross BlueShield.