October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
Nicole Peplinski is a public health nurse with Oneida County and coordinates the Wisconsin Well Woman program. She says the month is set aside to raise awareness of the need for early detection and to teach women about reducing the risk of cancer. She offers some tips...
"...it's good to have physical activity each day. Not smoking can lower your risk of breast cancer. Limiting your alcohol use or not using alcohol can lower your risk for breast cancer..."
Peplinski says around age 40 women should consider a yearly screening with a mammogram after talking with their doctor. From ages 45-55 they should get a mammogram every year. After age 55, Peplinski says women should consider a mammogram every two years after talking with their physician.
Peplinski says the Well Woman program can help with payments for screening for women meeting age and income requirements. More information is available at your county public health department or medical provider.
