Everyone knows someone who has had breast cancer. I happen to have two strong and amazing survivors in my own family. Spreading awareness is of the utmost importance when it comes to checking, getting mammograms, and treating breast cancer. That's why October is an entire month dedicated to this amazing cause.

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier knows all too well how important spreading this information is. That's why they are taking full advantage of the month of October.

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier released this statement today:

This year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the experts at CHRISTUS Physician Group are an important pledge: they will ask every woman they encounter if she is current on her annual mammogram. Providers will have this important conversation with their female patients as an effort to remove all fears, obstacles or anything standing in the way for women who might be hesitant to have their mammogram or have not put themselves on their to-do list!

 Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. In fact, mammograms have helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 40-percent since 1990.

 “From the physicians and extenders to our nurses, administrators and every Associate on the team, we are all committed to taking this pledge to help the women of Shreveport-Bossier,” said Donna Wyatt, M.D., Regional Physician Leader, CHRISTUS Physician Group. “We understand that so often women are busy taking care of their friends and family, and it can be difficult to make time to take care of themselves. However. this October, we are going to do all we can to make sure that women put themselves and their health at the top of their to-do lists.”

 Current guidelines from the American College of Radiology and the Society for Breast Imaging recommend that women receive annual mammograms starting at age 40 – even if they have no symptoms or family history of breast cancer.

 “National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance for us to do everything we can to raise awareness about the importance of finding breast cancer early. Annual mammograms can detect cancer when it is most treatable, and they have also been shown to prevent the need for extensive treatment for advanced cancers and can improve chances of breast conservation.” said Dr. Wyatt. “With this pledge, we can make a difference in our patients’ lives and in their families’ lives. By encouraging our patients, friends, families and this community to take action and make this a priority, we can help save women’s lives.”

Call the CHRISTUS Breast Center to celebrate October Breast Cancer Awareness Month by scheduling your mammogram today- 318.681.4100.

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