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Saint Anthony Hospital Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness

In October, Saint Anthony Hospital, recognized as Chicago's leading hospital in patient safety, stresses the importance of breast cancer awareness. The hospital is committed to educating the community on preventative measures and treatment options. With resources like breast screenings, mammograms, and breast MRIs, they ensure comprehensive care and awareness during this vital month.

Understanding Your Risk

Dr. Sam Guirguis and Dr. Siddiq Hasan, experts at the hospital, explain that understanding your risk is crucial. Women should begin risk assessment by age 30, especially if there’s a family history of breast cancer. Depending on individual circumstances, medical professionals will classify risk levels as low, intermediate, or high, which will guide personalized care plans.

Monthly Self-Exams and Regular Screenings

Awareness of one's own body is pivotal. Women are encouraged to conduct monthly self-breast exams to check for changes. Signs such as hard spots, soft lumps, nipple discharge, inverted nipples, or skin dimpling should prompt immediate medical consultation. The hospital also advises women aged 40 and older to schedule yearly mammograms. For high-risk individuals, annual MRIs paired with mammograms every six months are pivotal for early detection.

Navigating a Positive Diagnosis

Receiving a positive breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Patients will be referred to surgical specialists who collaborate with oncologists to devise individualized care plans, considering factors like age, tumor size, and lymph node involvement. Treatment plans may encompass surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, tailored to the patient’s unique situation.

Preparing for Mammograms

Women with a family history of breast cancer should schedule mammograms earlier than they might expect. For instance, if a mother receives a diagnosis at 45, her daughter should have her mammogram around 35—ten years prior to her mother’s diagnosis age. Importantly, many insurance plans cover screening examinations without copays or deductibles.

Support During Treatment

Chemotherapy often spans three to six months, with surgery requiring approximately a two-week recovery period. Saint Anthony Hospital remains a supportive resource for women navigating these challenging times, offering myriad surgical options and rehabilitation services.

Community Impact

Located at 2875 W. 19th Street in Chicago, Saint Anthony Hospital serves over 450,000 residents across the West and Southwest sides. With clinics and wellness centers dedicated to health education, Saint Anthony Hospital emphasizes the significance of community health. Their bilingual outreach programs aim to make breast health awareness accessible to all.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about breast health services at Saint Anthony Hospital, call 773-484-4030. Harnessing the power of education and proactive health management can pave the way for better outcomes in breast cancer care.

For more resources and information about their services, visit SAHChicago.org.