October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the SMSC Health and Wellness Department is here to raise awareness on the impact of cancer in women and to encourage them to stay up to date on health screenings. Living in a pandemic over the past couple of years has posed challenges for just about everything in life, including cancer screenings. In 2021, the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) found that at one point during the pandemic, breast cancer screenings were down over 85%. In response to this, the NBCF has launched an October campaign called RISE: Rallying in Screening Everybody. So, RISE up this October and get screened, not just for breast cancer but for other health conditions as well.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women in the U.S. About 287,850 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year. Below is a list of measures that you can take to reduce your risk of complications relating to breast cancer.
- Schedule an appointment with the on-site mobile mammogram clinic. Those who are covered by an SMSC health plan can contact Tribal Public Health at 952.496.6199 to set one up.
- Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about when you should start receiving mammograms.
- Talk to your PCP if you notice changes in your breasts, such as a new lump, dimple, redness, or swelling.
Cervical Cancer
Women can be at risk of cervical cancer due to potential exposure to the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). A common practice to early detection is to start receiving pelvic exams at the age of 21. Screening for HPV is an appropriate means to help prevent cervical cancer. Read below about how else you can help prevent cervical cancer.
- The HPV vaccination significantly helps prevent cervical cancer.
- Since the pap smear screening was implemented in the 1970s, there has been a decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer of at least 50%.
- The frequency of pelvic exams could vary based on your risk factors. Talk to your PCP about how often you should have this screening.
Ovarian Cancer
There is not a specific screening for ovarian cancer, so knowing the subtle symptoms of the disease is very important. Some of these symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and frequent urination. Talk to your PCP if you experience these symptoms on a regular basis for more than two weeks.
To schedule any of these screenings or an annual physical, please contact the Shakopee Dakota Medical Clinic at 952.496.6150. If you do not have a PCP, call to be set up with one at the clinic. These highly qualified providers will help you navigate your health journey!
