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Medical City Healthcare Providers Promote Breast Health Awareness with Pink Gloves

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Medical City Healthcare providers are donning pink exam gloves as part of their efforts to promote breast health awareness. The initiative aims to serve as a reminder for individuals to prioritize essential breast health practices, including regular breast self-exams and annual screening mammograms.

Dr. Joseph Parra, Chief Medical Officer for Medical City Healthcare, emphasized the importance of these screening tools in the early detection of breast cancer, ultimately contributing to higher survival rates. "Our October pink gloves effort serves as a unique reminder about performing self-exams and making those important mammography appointments. We want to help create healthier tomorrows for North Texans," he stated.

According to the American Cancer Society, women whose breast cancer is detected at an earlier, localized stage have a five-year relative survival rate of 90% or greater. To support early detection, women of average risk are encouraged to begin monthly breast self-exams at age 20 and start annual screening mammograms at age 40. The first mammogram also helps identify whether a woman has dense breast tissue, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.

While some risk factors like genetics are unavoidable, certain lifestyle choices can help lower the risk of breast cancer. These include maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, choosing not to drink alcohol or consuming it in moderation, consulting with doctors about risks associated with hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, and breastfeeding children.

For help with cancer-related questions, Medical City Healthcare offers access to its free, askSARAH helpline, part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare. Specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (972) 202-8877.

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