October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Do you know your risk for breast cancer? One in every 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime¹. Besides being female, age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer¹. Personal or family history of breast cancer can also increase your risk as does having extremely dense breast tissue, which can mask or hide breast cancer.

Early detection is key. Getting regular mammograms is one of the most important things a woman can do to detect breast cancer early. When detected at its early stages, the five-year survival rate is 90%¹.

The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a screening mammography every two years for women aged 50 to 74 years.

It is always best to discuss your risk factors with a health care professional to determine the best screening plan for you.

Breast health is a vital element to every woman’s overall health. Getting regular mammograms is one of the most important things a woman can do to find breast cancer early. Healthy behaviors that may help lower risk include:

• Increasing physical activity
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol

Here at FHCP, we strongly encourage you to contact your primary care physician to request an order for a mammogram screening. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call Florida Health Care Plans at 386-676-7100 ext. 4186.

¹American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2009-2017.
Atlanta: American Cancer Society, Inc. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/index