Final-Breast Cancer Awareness-July 8-2
Final-Breast Cancer Awareness-July 8-2
Final-Breast Cancer Awareness-July 8-2
LA CROSSE, Wis.- According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will be diagnosed
with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime; in essence, breast cancer affects everyone in some way, shape
or form. Even though we are still a few months away from National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in
October, Mayo Clinic Health Systems encourages both women and men to be continually mindful of the
measures they can take in breast cancer awareness.
There are several types of breast cancer which can be diagnosed at different stages of development and can
grow at different rates. To enhance early detection and to reduce your overall risk, Dr. Amy Lloyd of Mayo
Clinic Health System in La Crosse recommends taking these defensive and precautionary measures:
Women need to become familiar with their breasts in order to detect abnormalities or changes.
If you discover any type of abnormality with your breasts, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Schedule annual mammogram screenings and clinical breast exams performed by a health care
provider beginning at age 40.
Select a diet that is rich in plant-based foods. Plant based foods provide phytochemicals which can
potentially protect cells from damage by cancer-causing agents.
Drink alcohol only in moderation, if you do at all. Alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer.
The amount of that risk is in proportion to the quantity of alcohol you consume.
Regular exercise and weight gain prevention can also help to reduce your risk of breast cancer
formation.
It is crucial to be conscious and proactive about breast cancer. Lloyd says, Breast cancer is normally detected
when it is in an aggressive stage, however, getting regular mammograms can help detect it earlier.
Visit Mayo Clinic Health Systems Center for Breast Care or contact your healthcare provider for further
questions or to schedule an appointment.
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Mayo Clinic Health System consists of Mayo-owned clinics, hospitals and other health care facilities that serve the health
care needs of people in 70 communities in Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The community-based providers,
paired with the resources and expertise of Mayo Clinic, enable patients in the region to receive the highest-quality health
care close to home.
About the Franciscan Healthcare History
The La Crosse based Franciscan Healthcare is a joint collaboration between Mayo Clinic Health System and cosponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA). The relationship first formed in 1995 when
Franciscan Skemp Healthcare became part of the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Health System. The FSPA built St. Francis
Hospital in La Crosse back in 1883. Skemp Clinic was later founded in 1923 by Dr. Archibald Skemp.