A woman's lifetime risk of breast cancer is one in eight.
More than 3,000 Minnesota women
are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
The cause of breast cancer is still unknown and there is no sure way to prevent it. However, research studies have shown that treatment is most effective when a woman's cancer is detected early through regular screening exams. In fact, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better a woman's chances are for survival

Being a woman and getting older are the two biggest risk factors for breast cancer.

You may be at an increased risk for breast cancer if you:

• have a history of breast cancer in your maternal family (grandmother, mother, sister)
• began menstruating before age 12
• have never had children
• had your first child after age 30

• All women ages 20 and older should perform breast self-exams every month.
• All women between ages 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam by a health care professional every three years.
• All women ages 40 and older should have a clinical breast exam by a health care professional every year.
• All women ages 50 - 74 should have a mammogram every year. (Women ages 40 - 49 and 75 and older should discuss the appropriateness of having a mammogram with their health care provider.)

• Medica works with physicians to help women age 50 and older receive routine breast cancer screenings.
• Medica includes reminders to women about routine mammograms within a Checkup Checklist for routine preventive health needs that is issued annually. Female members ages 50-74 are reminded to have a mammogram every 24 months. 

Sign up for free mammogram reminders from the American Cancer Society.

For more information about breast cancer and other resources available through Medica, please call the Medica CallLink nurse line.

Note to Employers and Brokers:
For more information on health improvement activities and programs for the workplace, e-mail us at: hlthimp@medica.com.