Get Screened.  Your life depends on it. 

The best defense against breast cancer is early detection.  To do this, you need to get regular screenings that include:

• Mammograms:  Every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk, or talk to your doctor on how often you should be screened.
• Clinical Breast Exam: This is performed by a health care provider and should be done at least every 3 years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40.

These are only guidelines.  Talk to your health care provider about the type and frequency of screening tests that are right for you.

 

Watch for Signs.

When other parts of your body look or feel different than they normally do, you notice.  For example, a change in a mole or an ache in your back, most likely prompts a visit to your health care provider.  The same should apply to any changes in your breasts.  Know what is normal for you so you'll know if the following are unusual:

• Lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• New pain in one spot that does not go away
• Discharge that starts suddenly

See your health care provider if you notice any of these signs.  Although it may be nothing to worry about, it is better to get checked and find cancer in its early stage, when the chances of survival are highest.

 

 

 

Choices Matter!

The causes of breast cancer are not fully known and may seem like something you can't control.  However, research shows there are healthy choices you can make to decrease your chances in getting breast cancer.  The National Cancer Institute suggests the following lifestyle choices to reduce your risk:

• Work with your doctor to develop a healthy exercise plan
• Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, if necessary
• For women at a high risk of breast cancer, the drugs tamoxifen and raloxifene can reduce risk
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Avoid menopausal hormones containing estrogen plus progestin
• Breastfeed, if you can

Take a breast cancer risk assessment.

 

Know Your Options and Rights

The PeaceHealth Medical Group Plastic Surgery team is here to help you choose the reconstruction technique that is best for you and to educate you on options prior to mastectomy surgery.  The 1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law states that insurance that provides medical and surgical benefits with respect to a mastectomy shall provide coverage for breast reconstruction.  It's your right!

 

Choose Local Care, Not a Commute

Did you know some insurance plans require you to travel to Oregon for specialist appointments, minor surgical procedures,and follow-up visits? Choose a health plan that includes your local PeaceHealth doctors and hospitals.

 

 

Patient Appreciation Gala 

 

Enjoy wine, appetizers, raffles and more!

• Enter to win great prizes
• Save 20% on skin care products, Botox and Juvederm
• Special presentations by the doctors

WHEN:  Friday, October 17, 2014; 4:00-7:00 p.m.

WHERE: 505 NE 87th Ave, Suite 250, Vancouver, WA 98664

 Invite your friends and RSVP to 360-514-1010.