It’s that time of year again when Hospitality Health ER colors the town ―well, maybe lots of towns―PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and other important community causes. Not only will you see that big pink, funky fire truck parked by our Longview and Tyler ER facilities, but Hospitality Health ER will once again be donating money to Susan G. Komen for every patient that is treated at our facilities in October.
Just think―the survival rate is 100% for cases of breast cancer that are detected early (those at stage 0), so being aware and alert throughout the year can potentially save your life. While October is the designated month to celebrate breast cancer awareness, Hospitality Health ER encourages everyone to think pink year-round.
Think Pink Year-Round with These Breast Cancer Awareness Musts:
Frequent Self-Exams of Breasts: Did you know that 40 percent of breast cancer cases are first detected by women who feel a lump on their breast? That’s why you should perform a self-exam on your breasts at least once a month. If you notice any abnormalities or masses, see your doctor right away.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Thinking pink year round means incorporating healthy habits into your daily life. Exercising, eating fruits and vegetables, and staying away from smoking and alcohol can significantly reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Clinical Breast Exams: Make sure you set up an appointment every year for your well-woman exam. This typically includes a clinical breast exam where your doctor will perform a visual check of the skin and tissue around your nipple along with a manual check for any masses. Although many lumps are detected through self-exams, a doctor may be able to spot suspicious areas or examine other areas of the breast that you may have missed.
Mammograms: How often you should have a mammogram may vary from person to person. The American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram starting at the age of 45, while other organizations recommend starting at the age of 40 or 50. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend earlier and more frequent testing.
See last year’s “pink initiatives” at Hospitality Health ER right here or like our Facebook page to become part of the HHER community.
