Online only: Commit to breast cancer screening

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About one in eight North Dakotan women will get breast cancer during their life. Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the state. However, early detection, better treatment, and better follow-up care have made it possible for more women to be breast cancer survivors.

Some risk factors increase the possibility of getting breast cancer and increase with age, including family and personal history of breast cancer, and personal behaviors. Limiting alcohol consumption to less than one drink a day, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and eating a balanced diet are steps women can take to try to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Women can also take advantage of breast cancer screening tests, which may help find cancers early when they are easiest to treat.

Commit to breast cancer screening and join the millions of women who get mammograms regularly. Pledge to take charge of your health and talk with your health care provider about your risk factors for breast cancer, when to start screening, and how often to screen.

For women who are concerned about the cost for cancer screening, there are a number of options for financial assistance including Women’s Way (www.ndhealth.gov/womensway), Medicaid Expansion (www.nd.gov/dhs/medicaidexpansion) and Marketplace insurance plans (www.healthcare.gov/marketplace).

For more information about Women’s Way, call Shelley Aabrekke, Women’s Way local coordinator, Lake Region District Health Unit – Benson County at (800) 449-6636 or (701) 473-5444.