Take Advantage of Free Health Services.

Need a Mammogram?  No Problem.

 

 

 

What is it?

Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer that women may have to face in their lifetime.  Breast Cancer is the development of abnormal cells in the breast.  These cells begin to grow out of control and produce more cells that grow into tumors, or  growths, and can spread to other parts of the body.

 

What is my risk?

Complete the checklist below to determine your risk.

• I am a woman.
• I am more than 50 years of age.
• I have had breast cancer or a precancerous condition.
• I have a family history of breast cancer.
• I began my periods before age 12 or reached menopause after age 55.
• I never had a child or had my first child after age 30.
• I weigh 40% more than my ideal weight.
• I drink alcohol.
• I am using or have used hormone replacement therapy.

The more items you checked, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.  Remember to consult a physician if you have any questions or concerns.  Early detection is still the best defense against all types of cancer, including breast cancer.

 

Self Examination

Self examination can not and should not replace formal medical examination, but it should be frequently utilized in between regular medical exams.

• To examine your right breast, place a pillow under your right shoulder.  Put your right arm behind your head.
• Use the finger pads (not the fingertips) of the middle of your fingers of your left hand to press firmly on your right breast.
• Use a circular motion, up and down line, or wedge motion to examine your breasts.
• Be sure to run your fingers over the entire breast, including your underarm area.  Check for any lumps or thickening.
• Do not pick up your hand until the exam is fully completed.
• Switch the pillow or towel to your left shoulder, put your left arm behind your head and repeat steps with right hand on left breast.

In the shower:

Your fingers slide more easily over wet, soapy skin.  This may make lumps easier to feel.  Remember to check your entire breast and underarm area.  Stand in the shower and use the same steps as the lying down method.  Use your right hand for left breast and left hand for right breast.

Be sure that the mammography center you use is accredited by the American College of Radiology.  They evaluate mammography units for equipment, quality, staff qualifications, quality of image, and amount of patient exposure to radiation.  On the day of your mammogram, do not use any kind of deodorant, lotion, cream, or powder on your underarms or breasts.  These can interfere with a clear x-ray.  The results of your mammogram are usually sent to your doctor.

 

Southern Illinois Primary Care Assoc.

209 North West 11th Street, Fairfield IL  62837

618-842-3324

 

The Medicine Shoppe - Home Medical Equipment

1010 West Main Street, Fairfield IL  62837

618-842-2531

A dealer of NEARLY ME prostheses and provider of wigs from the Wig Closet, the Medicine Shoppe - HME offers a comfortable private setting with trained staff to assist patients and answer their questions.

Wigs from the Wig Closet are free to cancer patients through the American Cancer Society.

 

Need help finding local resources and support?

The American Cancer Society is here to listen and guide.  The American Cancer Society offers hope and free help through trained staff equipped with up-to-date information on diagnosis and treatment options.

Southern Region American Cancer Society

Contact: Maria Flirt

618-998-9898 or 800-ACS-2345

The Official Sponsor of Birthdays

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

 

---

 

Ticket for the Cure funding is provided by Office of Women's Health from the Ticket for the Cure Fund to provide support for community outreach, health promotion and/or education that is specifically designed to benefit breast cancer programs as well as to increase awareness through the sale of the Ticket for the Cure instant lottery ticket.