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October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With this in mind, now is the time to schedule an appointment at a women’s health clinic to get a mammogram. If you’re curious about diagnostic imaging and why this test is an important aspect of preventive care, here’s some helpful information that could help save your life. 

Why Should Women Schedule Mammograms?

Women's Health ClinicWhile at-home breast exams are essential to ensure there aren’t any lumps or problem areas, mammograms are the best line of defense when it comes to early detection. Thanks to diagnostic imaging, a women’s health clinic can detect signs of cancer in its early stages, well before you can feel changes through a physical exam. By catching abnormal tissue or lumps right away, you’ll increase your odds of survival. Thus, doctors recommend annual mammograms for all women over the age of 40. 

What Additional Precautions Can You Take to Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer?

While it’s true that one out of every eight women in America will develop breast cancer, there are ways you can reduce your risk. Studies have shown that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to prevention. Whether you have a family history of breast cancer or not, commit to your overall wellness by staying physically active, managing your weight, and limiting the amount of alcohol you consume to less than one drink per day. In addition to maintaining these habits, avoid smoking cigarettes and if you’re a mother, breastfeed your babies if possible. 

 

Santiam Hospital has been a preventive care partner for residents throughout Willamette Valley, OR, since 1953. If you’re looking for a trustworthy, compassionate women’s health clinic to perform a mammogram, call their direct line today at (503) 769-2175 to schedule an appointment. For more information on how these primary care clinics help locals maintain health through every life stage using state-of-the-art equipment and personalized service, visit their website

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