October brings crisp apples, pumpkin spice…. scarecrows and things that go bump in the night…. It also reminds us it’s time to treat ourselves and practice good self-care.  Breast Cancer Awareness month is here….as a reminder…it may be time to have our annual mammogram screening.

In 2020 we all faced many challenges including keeping up our annual screenings for a variety of reasons …. many places were closed for routine check-ups or annual screenings and access was limited.  Beginning in early March, our schedules were upended in countless ways and for some accompanied by great loss which we all felt as a community and extend our heartfelt condolences.

Here is a gentle, loving reminder …it’s time to take care of ourselves! Many screening facilities are now open and have safety protocols in place.    Looking ahead to November which is National Caregivers Month…let us kick it off by caring for ourselves and making that appointment. Today!

American Cancer Society mammogram screening recommendations for women at average breast cancer risk:

• These guidelines are for women at average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.
• Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
• Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
• Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.

For Additional Information and resources:

American Cancer Society   www.cancer.org/

Susan G. Komen Foundation www.komen.org

Cancer Care    www.cancercare.org/