October 19 – HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital is helping spread breast cancer awareness this month by wrapping newborns in pink blankets.
More than 9,000 women in Illinois are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to the hospital. During October, Chief Nursing Officer Michelle Oliver says they’ll be wrapping all babies born at St. Mary’s in pink blankets.
“We want new parents to discuss the importance of breast cancer screenings with their loved ones, and this is a great opportunity to do so,” Oliver said.
The pink blankets will go home with the families as a continued reminder for women to get screened.
St. Mary’s is providing the following tips for breast cancer screening and prevention:
Breast cancer symptoms can include a lump in the breast or underarm, swelling of the breast, irritation of breast skin, redness, pain in the breast, changes in the shape or size of the breast or discharge from the nipple.
Mammograms are recommended biennially after the age of 50 by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. Women should always speak with their primary care provider before they go in for a screening.
Screening for breast cancer can be done at a clinic, hospital or doctor’s office. If you are concerned about cost, you can contact the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program at 888-522-1282 or visit www.cancerscreening.illinois.gov to find out about free or low-cost mammograms.
Lowering your risk for breast cancer can be done by keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly, getting a full night’s rest and limiting alcohol consumption. Sharing your family history with your doctor also helps with early detection.
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