October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Indiana State Department of Health is encouraging Hoosier women to undergo early detection techniques.
The ISDH says women should adopt a healthy lifestyle and speak to their healthcare provider. That, they say, could improve their chances at survival. Breast cancer factors include age, family history, race, and environment.
Avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active are also recommended to reduce a person’s risk for the disease.
In 2014, 4653 cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in Indiana. It’s also considered the most common cancer diagnosed in the state.
Early detection is key to breast cancer survival. A screening is recommended every two years for women ages 50 to 74. Those screenings are often covered free of cost under most insurance plans.
