Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as this very important month comes to a close we wanted to talk to you about breast cancer awareness and prevention. It is something that will affect all of us directly or indirectly, and the more knowledge we have the more we have a chance to do something about it. We know that preventative screenings and detecting cancer in the early stages can be lifesaving. If you’d like to hear a little more about breast cancer awareness and things you can do to look out for your own breast health, we have tips for you in this blog!

Early Detection is Key
The most important thing when it comes to breast health is to get your preventative screenings. Preventative screenings are one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against cancer. The earlier cancer is detected the better the outcome usually is for the patients. When you can isolate cancer before it starts to affect other places in the body, treatment is much less severe, and the prognosis is significantly better. The most recommended screening for breast cancer is a mammogram. It is advised that you start having annual mammograms at age 45. Further screenings such as a sonogram may be recommended by your doctor if the mammogram shows something that needs further examination.

Unfortunately, women who don’t have insurance are less likely to have those mammograms done at the recommended frequency. But knowing the importance of these preventative screens, COMC is focused on making sure women have access to high quality health care regardless of insurance status. If you are over 45 and have not had a mammogram in the last year, give us a call and ask about making an appointment at one of our health clinics in mid-Missouri.

Family History
If you have a family history of breast cancer, that is something you want to discuss with your doctor. If you know you have higher risk factors when it comes to breast cancer, you and your doctor can develop a more specialized plan for monitoring for any signs of early cancer or pre-cancer to give you the best chances of early detection.

A Health Lifestyle Helps
The best overall health you can be in the better off you are. It is one of the factors you have the most control over, and it will help you in multiple ways. That means maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and using moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption. A healthy lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for yourself to be in the strongest position possible no matter what challenges or risk factors you may face.

Schedule Your Primary Care and Mammograms at COMC
Central Ozarks Medical Center is passionate about providing high quality medical care in the communities we serve regardless of our patients’ insurance status. We don’t want a lack of insurance to be a barrier to women who are in need of these important preventative screenings. We also want you to have a primary care physician in the Lake of the Ozarks area that you are comfortable with and see on a regular basis. You and your primary care physician can work together to manage your healthcare in a personalized way for your optimal health. So, if you do not have a primary care physician or are overdue for important preventative screenings, call our main number and make an appointment today. To hear more helpful information about health care in mid-Missouri or tips on how to stay healthy, use the links below to follow us on your favorite social media channel.

Follow along with our blogs to get more health and lifestyle pointers to keep you out of our office more than once a year!

Central Ozarks Medical Center

Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare