What to know about breast cancer this October

In October, we go pink.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At Teton Cancer Institute, this is an important time to honor our breast cancer patients and their families.

Breast cancer affects so many of the women and families we care for. Many of our team members have had a mother, sister, wife or friend go through it. Some of us have experienced it ourselves.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, with more than 320,000 new cases expected this year alone.

However, what should help us feel encouraged is the fact that breast cancer is extremely treatable when it’s found early. Among Idaho women, 88% live at least 5 years after their diagnosis when it’s caught early, and mammograms are the single most effective tool for finding and treating the cancer before it spreads.

Unfortunately, Idaho ranks 50th in the country for breast cancer screenings. A third of Idaho women who should be screened are not up to date on their mammograms. We want to change that.

Together with Mountain View Hospital and Blackfoot Medical Center, Teton Cancer Institute is offering discounted mammograms for $45-65 through the month of October.

If you’ve been putting off getting your mammogram, this is a great time to get it taken care of. Give us a call at (208) 557-2887, and we’ll get you scheduled.

At Teton Cancer Institute, we’re honored to serve the Idaho Falls community with comprehensive cancer care. And to our breast cancer patients – we’re rooting for you, and we’re behind you every step of the journey.