Screening Key to Beating Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Nashville, TN – October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Department of Health is challenging all Tennessee women over the age of 40 to get a clinical breast exam and mammogram. These screening tests are powerful weapons in the fight against breast cancer. The survival rate is greater than 95 percent for women whose breast cancer is found at an early stage.

“Mammograms and clinical breast exams are still the best method for finding cancer early and offering protection against the disease, leading women to get treatment before the cancer is in advanced stages,” said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, FACOEM. “We urge Tennessee women to get screened for breast cancer and talk to their health providers about ways to reduce their risk for this disease.” [Read more]

Screening key to fighting Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Nashville, TN – Clinical breast exams and mammograms are powerful weapons in the fight against breast cancer. But many women go without these recommended screening tests for a variety of reasons: they don’t think they’re at risk for breast cancer, lack insurance coverage for the screenings, don’t have time for an exam or the means to travel to a health provider, or simply fear the results and what may come next. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the Department of Health is urging all women over age 40 to get these important annual screening tests and reminding them resources are available to assist them.

“All women are at risk for breast cancer, especially as they age, and there are resources available for those who don’t have insurance coverage for screening and help with treatment if that becomes necessary,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “We urge Tennessee women to get screened for breast cancer and talk to their health providers about ways to reduce their risk for this disease.” [Read more]