October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and Eastern Utah Women’s Health wanted to increase attention for the awareness so Danielle Howa Pendergrass stopped by Castle Country Radio to share some important information on the subject.

“Mammograms start at age 40, but really we need to be thinking about breast cancer as young as our twenties because there are genetic components that play into your breast cancer risk and there’s lots of things, we can do to negate that. So I’m so happy that we have one month dedicated to breast cancer awareness but it really is a lifelong, daily, weekly, monthly thing,” stated Pendergrass. About 10 percent of breast cancers have a genetic component. If you think that you may be of greater risk because of your family history it is a good idea to get screened for breast cancer. The genetic screening is as simple as a saliva or blood test.

“Another thing that you can do all throughout your life is really we know that excess weight, excess stress, poor nutrition, all of those things play into your risk in developing breast cancer in the long run. So we can sit down together and come up with a plan of what really works for you, for your health, for the long haul, not just for when you turn 40 here on out, we’re just lucky that at 40 we get the screening,” said Pendergrass. Women can lower their risk by keeping a healthy weight, exercise regularly, avoid or limit alcohol, and stick to a well-balanced diet.

“We use to recommend self-breast exams monthly that has kind of changed because breasts are lumpy and bumpy and so when you feel something you’re like oh my gosh do I have cancer. That being said, breast awareness is so important because if you feel something, and you’re like that is not right, it’s a simple appointment. I mean just give us a call, we can feel for that, and if we feel like you need to go in to get a mammogram or get an ultra sound earlier, we’ll send you,” stated Pendergrass. Its important that women who notice any changes in their breasts are strongly urged to contact their physician to have it checked out.

Eastern Utah Women’s Health offers comprehensive women’s health care and primary care. Women who are interested in their services can visit their website at https://www.easternutahwomenshealth.com/ or call their office at (435) 637-0313.