Think Pink

It’s October, the time of year when the temperatures start to cool and we celebrate Oktoberfest, with  all the beauty of our Bavarian village and alpine setting. October also marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Across the country, people show their support for everyone affected by breast cancer and the approximately 264,000 women and 2,400 men expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year.  Here in Leavenworth and the surrounding communities, the Cascade Medical Foundation and Cascade Medical invite you to take time to know the facts and support women in our community. Think Pink. As you stroll shops and restaurants in downtown Leavenworth, you may see brightly colored Think Pink fliers. Not only does this remind us all about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it lets you know the business is supporting free and reduced-price mammograms at Cascade Medical – either by making a donation or by selling a “Think Pink” item such as a pink soap, a chocolate with a fun pink design or a pink t-shirt. For women who don’t have insurance, the funds donated by these businesses help pay for mammograms, which are still the best tool to diagnose breast cancer. What else should you know about Breast Cancer?

Know the numbers!

One in eight women will be diagnosed with cancer

Nearly 275,000 women are diagnosed annually with breast cancer

Most women who get breast cancer don’t have a family history of breast cancer. In fact, only about 15-20% of women diagnosed with breast cancer report having a family history of the disease.

About 65% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage – there is no sign the cancer has spread outside of the breast and the 5-year survival rate is 99 percent!

And, importantly, about 47% of women put off preventive care such as mammography due to cost. That’s why the funds raised via Think Pink are so important!

Get your mammogram scheduled. Today.

Whether you’re Katie Couric (who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer after forgetting to her annual exam) or Katie from Cole’s Corner, getting regular mammograms is your best tool to spot breast cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable and most curable. And, thanks to the work of the Cascade Medical Foundation and the support of our generous community, Cascade Medical has leading edge digital mammography. According to the American Cancer Society, women between the ages of 40 and 44 have the option to consider getting a screening mammogram. Women 45-54 should get mammograms every year, they say.

Additional guidelines or mammograms vary, based on your age, family history and other health factors. Talk to your health care provider about what’s best for you.

To schedule a mammogram at Cascade Medical, just call 509-548-2512. Their friendly, helpful staff will get you scheduled and get your results back within a matter of days, so don’t wait.