Can breast cancer be prevented?
Breast cancer occurs when there is rapid growth of mutated (cancerous) cells in the tissues of the breasts, and potentially in the surrounding skin and lymph nodes. Various factors contribute to the development of cancer, including genetics, gender, environmental exposure to certain materials, and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise.
While there are steps women can take to lower their risk of developing breast cancer, there is no way to completely prevent the disease. Even preventative surgical removal of the breasts, known as prophylactic mastectomy, cannot eliminate every breast cell, leaving open the possibility that breast cancer can develop. The Siteman Cancer Center reminds people that these strategies can help to lower breast cancer risk as much as possible:
• Limit alcohol consumption, or do not drink at all.
• Maintain a healthy weight. • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. • Breastfeed, if possible.
• Don’t smoke, as smoking is related to the formation of 15 different cancers.
• Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 30 minutes per day.
• Avoid hormone contraceptive
products, particularly after the age of 35, and weigh the pros and cons of hormonal menopause treatment.
• Schedule and undergo regular mammograms.
• Speak with a doctor about your family history of breast cancer and take added precautions if there is a significant family history and/or genetic factors that make you more vulnerable.
Breast cancer is prolific. Although the disease is not entirely preventable, there are many ways for women to reduce their risk of developing it.
Pink Powerhouse of Preventive Care
She’s pink. She’s savvy. She’s saving lives everywhere she goes...
The mammo coach travels to communities throughout Lehigh Valley Health Network’s (LVHN) extensive service area, bringing 3D-screening mammogram technology to workplaces, schools and other businesses that host screening events.
DRIVING HOME RESULTS
Preventive cancer screenings – such as mammograms – can save lives. Just last year, the certified mammography technologists who staff the mammo coach provided screening mammograms to more than 2,075 patients from 19 different counties and detected seven breast cancers.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Inside the mammo coach, you will find a warm, welcoming and high-tech space that includes: • Private changing rooms and a mammogram
area
• A full team of Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute certified and registered mammography technologists
• The latest mammogram technology, including 3D imaging, which helps identify breast cancer earlier, in its most treatable stages Mammograms done on the mammo coach are read by Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute physicians, and they’ll make sure you and your primary care provider receive screening results in a timely manner. Should there be a need for follow-up care, Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute offers leading-edge technology and access to the most advanced clinical trials. The Cancer Institute is also a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, which provides patients with lifesaving care options.
PUTTING HEALTH FIRST
Screening mammograms are covered by health insurance, and no prescription is needed for women 40 or older who haven’t had a mammogram in the last 365 days. Also, LVHN’s all-woman team knows that every woman leads a busy life, so on average mammograms on the coach take less than 15 minutes.
HOST THE MAMMO COACH
The mammo coach is always ready for a road trip – and there is no cost to an organization or community partner to host a screening event. To learn how, contact LVHN’s program
coordinator at erin.yaworski@lvhn.org.
READY TO BOARD THE MAMMO COACH?
Scheduling a mammogram is simple. Find the mammo coach schedule at LVHN.org/mammocoach, then call 888-402-LVHN (5846) or visit LVHN.org/mammo to make an appointment.