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Spread the word on breast cancer awareness

Posted at 11:09 AM, Oct 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-10 11:08:35-04

October is breast cancer awareness month, and thanks to huge support and research funding, there have been great improvements in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. But 85 percent of breast cancers happen in women who have no family history of breast cancer because of genetic mutations.

Dr. Jayne Paulson, breast surgeon with Spectrum Health Medical Group and Tammy Meyers, breast cancer survivor came to talk about how to encourage everyone to spread the word about breast health.

It's important to know your own body, and be aware of the internal and outer changes taking place.

Early warning signs of breast cancer involve the discovery of a new lump, or a change in the breast tissue. Which is why women should always do self-exams on their body.

Mammograms are still the best screening option available for early breast cancer detection, so women should get it done yearly.

Forming healthy habits would also be a good idea to help reduce risk factors for breast cancer and other illnesses.

To spread awareness of breast cancer, Spectrum Health is holding their annual Candid Conversations event, where Tammy will be a guest speaker. There will also be dance performances, along with guest speaker Diahann Carroll, who is a Tony Award winner and the first African-American actress to star in her own television series.

Candid Conversations will be on Wednesday, October 19 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m at Grand Rapids Christian High School. The event is sold out, but Spectrum Health is giving away a pair of tickets to the first three people to call (616) 391-1382.

If you can't make the event, there's still away for the community to help women who can't access or afford mammograms.

Text RIBBON to 41010, and you'll donate $10 to help undeserved women in the community. Or if you'd like to stay informed, text CANDID to 74700 to get four breast health texts throughout the year.