Hard to believe it is already October and along with the beautiful autumn colors you will see PINK and lots of it! We are all probably familiar with the pink ribbon signifying Breast Cancer Awareness. Although October is usually the one month of the year when the news media pays special attribute to breast cancer, breast health should be part of all of our daily lives.

Last year I focused on reviewing breast cancer statistics and mentioning POSITIVE steps both women and men can take to ensure good breast health. I will once again mention these, but first would like to focus on several programs that Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, Elkhorn, Memorial Hospital of Burlington and Aurora Kenosha Medical Center have available to their clients.

Health insurance is not always available to all people and if insurance is offered or obtained, many times the deductibles are high. Consequently more and more women (and families) are either underinsured or uninsured. All 3 Aurora hospitals in the South region have what is referred to as a “Free Mammogram Program”. This program provides both free mammograms and if necessary breast ultrasounds to women and men who meet certain criteria (rarely is anyone turned away).

The application process is simple – fill out a one page form, provide proof of income, have a health care provider where test results can be sent and meet income guidelines. Once the application is received it is quickly reviewed by a Breast Care Coordinator along with a financial counselor (from the hospital). The client is notified via telephone and or letter and is assisted in scheduling the necessary breast related tests.

Confidentiality is ALWAYS maintained. If a mammogram result is suspicious for breast cancer and a biopsy is recommended the Breast Care Coordinator will work with a financial counselor to assist the client in navigating through the often confusing system of obtaining further financial support. Programs are available through Aurora and the State of Wisconsin to assist with financial issues.

The people of the communities served by these hospitals have generously raised thousands of dollars over the last years to provide this service to the women and men of our communities. There is a STRONG commitment by Aurora to serve and Breast Health is one of their top priorities. Many if not all of us have been or will be touched by breast cancer in our families, friends or ourselves. I truly never thought I would personally have the privilege of working with over 200 people touched by this disease. Many were clients, some personal friends and family.

Now a quick review of the Positive Steps you can take…

1. Do monthly Breast Self Exams (BSE). Best time is 5-7 days after your period starts. If you no longer get periods or are male, do your exams on the same date of each month. HINT: record your BSE dates on your 2007 calendar at the same time you record birthdays, etc. BSE should be started during puberty- with breast development for girls.
2. Clinical BSE by your health care provider should begin at age 20 and every 1-3 years between ages 20-39; yearly after age 40.
3. Mammograms are x-rays of the breasts and are presently not only the best and most economical test available to detect breast cancer but are also the best screening tool for the general population. Certain procedures are available for women or men with breast problems that are not adequately visualized with a mammogram. This should be decided with your health care provider. Women should generally have their first (baseline) mammogram between the ages of 35-40. If you have a family history or other concerns, please discuss this with your doctor.
4. Exercise at least 30-45 minutes a day (walking is one of the easiest for most of us) and do it 4-5 times a week.
5. Eat healthy – lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cut down on the sweets, fats and fried foods.
6. Drink less than one alcoholic beverage a day.

For more information regarding breast health or information on our Free Mammogram Programs please contact the following Breast Care Coordinators:

Aurora Lakeland Med. Ctr., Elkhorn

            Cindy Williams, RN and Linda Krauklis, RN

            262-742-2432

Memorial Hosp. of Burlington

            Maureen Redmer and Susan Kandler, RN

            262-767-6374

Aurora Kenosha Med. Ctr.

            Lori VanHorn, RN

            262-948-5846

Let’s all continue to strive to “Eradicate Breast Cancer in our Lifetime”.

Thank you,

Susan Kandler, RN Breast Care Coordinator,

Memorial Hosp. of Burlington