Early Detection Saves Lives! Health Partnership focuses on screenings and education

By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers?

It is according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Awareness surrounding breast cancer is incredibly important as early detection, often through screening, can catch the disease when it is most treatable.

That’s the reason we partner with Diagnostic Imaging Centers to have onsite mammography for our patients and staff. Almost every month you will see the large coach in our Olathe parking lot. Perla Cardenas, Women’s Health Coordinator, and our women’s health provider Eva Clark, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, as well as other providers schedule and/or refer patients to these lifesaving screening exams either on the mobile coach or at nearby hospitals, such as AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In October, we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month by promoting our mammography services as well as the importance of education. The mammography coach will be on the Olathe campus on Monday, Oct. 7. You and your friends, family and neighbors are welcome to call 913-276-7098 to schedule a mammogram. Staff can also enroll eligible women in Kansas’ Early Detection Works for those who are low income and uninsured.

At Health Partnership, we encourage our staff to wear pink all month to show their spirit. In addition, staff and patients are invited to complete a Word Search Puzzle contest. A prize will be awarded to an employee and patient. Health information and giveaways will also be available at each of our clinic sites.

As a FQHC, we are always looking at prevention.

Here’s how you can lower your risk for breast cancer:

• Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
• Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink alcohol in moderation.
• If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks.
• Don’t smoke.
• Breastfeed your children, if possible.

For more information about breast cancer screening, click https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html.

I always make time for my mammogram and remind my sister and girlfriends. I hope you do too! Remember early detection saves lives!