Alison Conlin, M.D., Medical Oncologist and Cancer Researcher at Providence Cancer Center joined us to talk about how regular screenings and early detection can be the key to surviving breast cancer.

• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
• Oregon and Washington have some of the highest incidence of breast cancer in the nation
• Breast cancer knows no gender, geographic or social boundaries
• Breast cancer affects more than just the patient; friends and family need support as well

Detection and prevention
• Early detection is the key to survival; women diagnosed in the early stages have a 98% survival rate
• Steps for early detection include regular mammograms, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams
• Important to make healthy lifestyle choices (e.g., diet, exercise, etc.)

How important are self-breast exams?
• Mammograms don’t always pick up tumors; fibrous breasts might mimic tumors
• Signs, symptoms may come up between mammos
• Good to know your body, what’s normal and what's not

For more on how mammograms and self-breast exams save lives you can visit the Providence web page by clicking here. The site also allows you to schedule a mammogram online and provides info on financial assistance