See the About Us page for a tribute to Mickie Strong, RN

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since the program began in 1985, mammograms performed have more then doubled, and deaths resulting from breast cancer have significantly declined. The third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day, first proclaimed by U.S. President Clinton in 1993. When breast cancer is detected early and treated promptly, suffering and ultimately the loss of life can be significantly reduced. All women are encouraged to ask their physicians and other health care providers about mammography screening. Mammography (an x-ray picture of the breast) is the single most effective method to detect breast changes that may be cancer, long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt. For early stage breast cancer, there are more treatment options, treatment can be less disfiguring and less toxic and survival is improved. As women age, their risk of breast cancer increases. For most women, high quality mammography screening should begin at age 40. As risk factors vary in everyone, each woman and her physician or health care provider should discuss the plan that is right for her. Screening should continue throughout a woman's lifetime. Some other tips to keep breasts healthy include performing monthly breast self-exams, taking an active role in sustaining your health and listening to your instincts, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight. Cumberland River Hospital encourages everyone to participate in celebrating October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you are a woman age 40 and older or have risk factors for getting breast cancer, please discuss with your health care provider about scheduling a mammogram as soon as possible. Cumberland River Hospital is proud to offer this service to women. For more information on mammography screenings, please contact us at 931.243.3581. Let's all do our part in raising awareness of breast cancer and mammography screenings, which can save lives.