The pink ribbons have returned to storefronts, football fields and front porches across southern Indiana. For those engaged in healthcare, they’re a welcome sight. This is especially true considering that about one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. 

That’s a bit startling, but the news is by no means all bad: when breast cancer is found early – before it spreads – the five-year survival rate soars to about 99 percent. 

What then is the best first step to help push the odds more in your favor? 

When you see a pink ribbon this October, here are two things to consider: if you haven’t done it already, you should initiate a conversation with a medical professional who can bust the myths about breast cancer and help reduce any fears. You need facts, not myths. Second, if you’ve already had the conversation—which is likely going to include some advice on what age and how you should be screened—is to make sure you actually do it. 

As a physician with more than three decades of practicing in our region, I’ll be the first to tell you: screening and mammogram recommendations differ a bit on some details. That’s one reason why it’s good to have that conversation and sort things out for what’s best for you.

If you’re still researching, here’s a good place to start. Susan G. Komen, the national breast cancer organization, sums up the path to early detection in four simple steps (https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/). 

1 – Know your risk

Start with your family story. Talk with relatives on both sides. Tell your provider if a parent, sister or daughter had breast or ovarian cancer, especially before age 50. General recommendations suggest that every woman have a risk assessment—that conversation I’m talking about–by age 25. 

2 – Get screened

If you find mammogram screening advice a bit confusing, not to worry. While most recommend regular screenings beginning at age 40, some differ in terms of timing, type, and frequency. 

Here’s what I tell my patients: the experts are debating how often, not whether. By 40, sit down with your provider and make a plan. For most women, that means a mammogram every one or two years for as long as you’re in good health.

As part of that plan, ask about breast density. Nearly half of women have dense tissue, which is normal but can hide cancers. Your report is now required to tell you whether yours is dense. If it is, ask whether 3D mammography, ultrasound, or an MRI makes sense for you.

3 – Know what’s normal for you

Self-exams by themselves aren’t considered a primary screening tool, but you’re still the best one to know when something feels different. Call your provider if you find a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm; swelling, warmth or redness; dimpling or puckering of the skin; a nipple that pulls inward or has sudden discharge; or a new pain in one spot that won’t go away. The good news? Most changes turn out to be harmless, but only an exam can tell you so. The point? When something is significantly different, don’t wait for your next scheduled screening. Get peace of mind now.

4 – Make healthy choices

Stay active, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol, talk with your provider before using menopausal hormones, and breastfeed if you can. None of these guarantees protection, but each tips the odds more in your favor.

A word of encouragement

Fear, cost and busy schedules keep many women from making that life-saving appointment. At Southern Indiana Community Health Care, we can help you get the facts about risk, arrange screening, and find low- or no-cost options. (Komen’s free helpline, 1-877-GO-KOMEN, also offers support in English and Spanish.)

The pink ribbons are flying. This month make one call, for yourself or for someone you love. Bust up the myths and get the facts.  Peace of mind is worth it.

Dr. Curtis Thill is a board-certified family physician who has cared for the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.

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By Curtis Thill, M.D.

Every October, the colors of autumn light up southern Indiana with vibrant reds and golds. Yet mixed in with these hues, another color takes center stage: pink. From ribbons to T-shirts, “Pinktober” is more than a seasonal campaign—it’s a reminder that breast cancer awareness saves lives.

As a physician, I know that the very word cancer can trigger fear or even denial. But avoiding the subject does not make it go away. One in eight women will face breast cancer in their lifetime, yet the outlook is far brighter than many realize. When found early, most cases are very treatable. That is the heart of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: awareness leads to action, and action can lead to better outcomes.

Vigilance Matters

The most common warning sign?  An unusual lump or mass. Women who know the normal look and feel of their breasts can often detect changes early. Monthly self-checks are valuable, but they are not a substitute for regular medical screenings. Roughly 80% of breast lumps are benign, but if something feels unusual, call your healthcare provider.

While self-exams are a good practice, professional screenings are essential. Mammograms and clinical breast exams can detect cancers long before symptoms appear. Women over 40 should strongly consider annual mammograms, though earlier screening may be appropriate if risk factors exist. The difference is clear: cancers caught early are far more treatable, while advanced cases bring greater risks and complications.

If you’ve delayed your annual checkup, October is the season to act. Why carry the weight of worry when reassurance—or early treatment—can make all the difference?

Removing Barriers

Cost can be a concern, but it should never keep women from screening. Free or low-cost mammogram programs are regularly available. At Southern Indiana Community Health Care (SICHC), for example, free mobile mammogram screenings will be offered in English on December 22. Every woman deserves access to preventive care, regardless of income.

Building Everyday Prevention

Awareness is not just about screenings; it’s also about lifestyle. Daily choices can reduce breast cancer risk while boosting overall health.

• Nutrition: Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage contain compounds that may help protect against cancer. Fresh berries supply antioxidants that shield cells. Local farm stands and co-ops make it easier to find seasonal produce (for example, check out the Farm Stand program from Lost River Co-Op & Café).
• Energy: Persistent fatigue can stem from nutritional gaps like low iron. A balanced diet restores stamina and supports immunity.
• Rest and movement: Chronic sleep loss weakens health. Light exercise improves sleep quality, helps with stress, and strengthens the body.

These steps don’t guarantee prevention, but they can significantly strengthen your body’s defenses.

A call to hope

Pink is more than a color; it’s a call to action. This October, take time for your health. Schedule your screenings, eat fresh, move daily, and rest well. Just as importantly, encourage the women around you—sisters, mothers, daughters, friends—to do the same.

Breast cancer awareness is about hope. Early detection often means full recovery, while prevention and self-care improve quality of life every day. By “getting in the pink,” you’re not only protecting your own health but also helping to spread awareness that can save others.

Dr. Curtis Thill is a board-certified family physician who has cared for the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.

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Breast cancer – these two words strike fear in the hearts of women everywhere, especially since more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year. If you’re concerned about breast cancer, you’re not alone – but the good news is that there is hope!

Medical treatments and early detection methods advance and continue to increase the chances of survival when people are diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, when breast cancer is caught in its early stages, the survival rate at five years is an amazing 99%. 

What’s the key?

If you want to minimize your chances and also help increase breast cancer survival rate, you have to take action.

Wherever you are in your journey (concerned about cancer, having a family member or friend with breast cancer, or having been diagnosed), the first line of defense is to know more.  This is especially true  if you have a family history that includes breast cancer. 

Breast lumps are surprisingly common

Did you know that upwards of half of all women will experience a breast lump in their lifetime? A breast lump is defined as a mass or growth that develops within breast tissue. Given the physical complexity of human breasts, there are many conditions that may cause breast lumps. The good news is that some 60-80% of all breast lumps prove to be benign or non-cancerous.

But note the word “prove” in that last sentence. Anytime a woman notices or discovers an unusual lump or swelling, it’s time to get checked out by a medical provider. You can breathe a sigh of relief if your medical provider informs you that the lump is benign. If the news comes of less-than-welcome cancer, you have already increased your chances of survival.

Periodic checkups are important

While being self-aware of any changes in your breasts is important, you should plan on having a clinical breast exam (CBE) by a medical provider at least every three years from ages 25 to 39.

After age 40, it is recommended to have a breast exam each year as part of an annual checkup. Between ages 45-50 you should plan on screening with a mammogram annually, which should optimally continue until age 55.  (If you’re worried about paying for it, talk with your provider – many clinics like SICHC can help you.)

But here’s an important note: seeking and undergoing a mammogram or a breast MRI is a personal decision that should be made together with your healthcare provider. Personal circumstances and preferences can then be considered. 

Technology has advanced in examinations, including 2D and 3D mammograms and breast ultrasounds at imaging centers. Your provider can review these options with you and also discuss with you important issues such as breast density. Research has shown that women with high breast density (more muscle and less fatty tissue) have a higher risk of breast cancer. Your provider may recommend additional imaging with an MRI though it’s noted that insurance companies do not necessarily cover that extra imaging.

Knowledge is power

Oftentimes when bad news is a possible outcome, many people will wait when they see something unusual, hoping it will go away. Troubling anxiety keeps a lot of people away from getting important information and care.

As mentioned, most of the time a scary lump can turn out to be harmless (or at least not cancer). But letting fear keep you out of the doctor’s office can be deadly – especially when it comes to breast cancer.

Much quality information is available to you, especially online. For starters, visit https://cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer,  https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/ or https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/index.html 

Much information on lowering your risks and helping to prevent breast cancer is also online (see https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/prevention/index.html). Your provider can help you and provide peace of mind.

The key point? Don’t wait – begin to take action today!

Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Yolanda Yoder serves as SICHC’s Chief Medical Officer.

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The two words “breast cancer” can unfortunately strike fear into the hearts of some women. It is true that breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women, but it’s also true that you can do many things to lower breast cancer risks. The more you know, the better you can work to lower risks and have peace of mind (you may find this online toll to be useful to help assess personal risk elements: https://bcrisktool.cancer.gov/#:~:text=The%20Breast%20Cancer%20Risk%20Assessment,age%2090%20(lifetime%20risk).

Here are some common myths we sometimes hear in our southern Indiana practice:

Myth No. 1 – Detecting a lump in your breast means you probably have cancer.
This is not true. While self-examination and checking your breasts for unusual lumps or changes (including sensitive or painful areas) is a good first line of defense, you should know that only a small number of lumps actually turn out to be cancerous. If you feel an unusual lump, it’s time to bring that to your medical provider’s attention. A lump or swelling can arise for different reasons and are often benign (non-cancerous). A medical examination and possible tests will provide good answers.

Myth No. 2 – No lumps means no cancer.
This is not necessarily true. While the absence of unusual lumps or changes often is a good sign, cancer may be aggressively developing unseen. Regular checkups help detect early – and treatable – issues. For women over age 50, regardless of whether unusual changes present themselves, an annual mammogram should be high on the list. A monthly self-exam represents a good habit of self-care (and by the way, mammograms do not cause breast cancer).

Myth No. 3 – Only women over 50 get breast cancer.
This persistent myth can be deadly. The fact is that nearly 10 percent of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women under the age of 45. Of these incidences in younger women, the cancer often presents at a later stage. If you have a close relative who was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, you might face a higher risk. Being aware represents a good defense.

Myth No. 4 – Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts.
The good news? No connection exists between breast size and cancer risk. However, it should be noted that being overweight (obesity), the density of breast tissue and other behavioral factors like smoking can heighten risks of developing breast cancer.

Myth No. 5 –Pain in your breast means you have breast cancer.
The fact? Breast pain by itself is not typically a symptom of breast cancer. Some professionals estimate that only a small number of breast diagnoses arise from reports of breast pain. Pain can come from a variety of different sources. While the most common symptom of breast cancer appears as a lump, other symptoms possibly include unusual swelling, changes in a nipple or breast skin, swollen lymph nodes (often in the armpit area), or unusual pain in the breast or nipple. Again, your medical provider can help analyze and identify unusual signs, especially important if you’re over age 50.

Other potential risk indicators you should be aware of include a family history of breast cancer (gene testing is an option for a woman if close relatives had breast cancer), menstruation onset before age 11, and not having a child before the age of 30.

What can be done to lower risks? Being aware of early signs represents a key step, but you should also work to eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans. If you have small infants (or are planning a family), consider breast-feeding, as it can lower later risks.

Cut back on fats and foods with high cholesterol. Regular exercise, even three 30-minute brisk walks a week, can elevate health and reduce risks. Stopping smoking and moderating alcohol intake also rank high. You will also benefit from finding and partnering with a good medical provider who will walk alongside you on your health journey. Minimize and eliminate worry by debunking myths and taking preventative action!

A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in southern Indiana for more than three decades. 

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October is a dedicated month about two words many women don’t like to hear: breast cancer. Despite that reluctance, it’s important to be informed, because about one in eight women (about 13%) will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lives.

Over the years, we at the Crawford County offices of Southern Indiana Community Health Care (SICHC) have seen many instances of breast cancer and courageous women have positively faced up to this challenge. Here are some things we’ve learned:

• Did you know that talking about breast cancer can often be one of the most awkward conversations a woman can have? We, like other providers, see a lot of anxiety and sometime paralyzing fear about breast cancer. If a woman feels a lump in her breast, sometimes she’ll hope for the best and not bring it up with her medical provider. The fact? Early detection is one of your best defenses and typically dramatically increases the possibility of life-saving treatment. The point? There’s no need to feel awkward about talking about breast health.
• Speaking of lumps, did you know that only a small percentage of women who develop breast lumps end up being diagnosed with cancer? If and when you see a lump or change in breast tissue, don’t ignore it – bring it up with your physician or provider. They can order a clinical breast exam. The peace of mind it can bring is priceless. Even if the exam indicates cancer, you’re still ahead of the game in a major way.
• Take advantage of free mammograms. Early detection increases the odds of successful treatment and survival. Many hospitals and health centers regularly offer clinical mammograms (usually lost cost or even free) through mobile mammogram units. Ask your provider, check online, or watch the news for schedules.
• Ever hear that mammograms or breast exams cause or spread cancer? It’s a myth that physical breast compression during an exam (whether personal or diagnostic) will cause cancer in the breast to spread. If you’re worried about a clinical mammography, you can take confidence in the fact that experts have documented that mammography radiation risk is very low. The risk is potentially much higher for negative outcomes if a woman declines an exam when symptoms suggest otherwise.
• Another myth is about prevention. Some unfortunately believe that there’s nothing one can do to prevent cancer. Research has shown that practicing healthy habits can reduce risk. We know from experience in this area of Indiana that can be a challenge, but it can be done. Here’s the outline: try to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day (hint: macaroni and cheese does not count here); try to get in some physical exercise like walking 30-45 minutes 3-4 times a week. More would be great. Don’t smoke and limit drinking alcohol. And, as mentioned before, scheduling regular exams is extremely important. It is generally recommended that every woman aged 40 and over should have an annual mammogram. Women over the age of 21 should regularly practice personal breast awareness and annually schedule a well-woman exam.

Remember, early detection increases the odds of successful treatment and survival. Free mammograms will be available (by appointment) in Crawford County on December 6. Call 812-338-2924 to confidentially schedule.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with that in mind, here’s what you should know about breast cancer. 

The statistics. According to 2017 statistics, breast cancer ranks first in the list of the new cancer cases for women and second in terms of cancer deaths. It’s estimated that 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 49,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2021.

The risk factors. While there are certain lifestyle choices you can make that can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, such as not smoking or drinking alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active, there are others that you can’t alter, such as your age, your reproductive history and the health background of your family.

Knowing your family medical history, especially in relation to breast or ovarian cancer, can indicate how at risk you are, since about 5% to 10% of breast and 10% to 15% of ovarian cancers are hereditary, according to the CDC. 

What about the BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 genes? If any of those three has a mutation, it raises your risk for breast, ovarian and other cancers. And if either of your parents has an abnormal BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 genes, your risk is also greater. The good news is that there is are testing options for these genes as well as other inherited gene mutations now associated with breast cancer risk. Check with your insurance company for coverage, since if you have a family history, the test may be free. (For more information, go to BreastCancer.org’s “What to Do if Your Genetic Test Results Are Positive” at https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/genetic/pos_results.)

This is why questions about your family’s health history, especially as it relates to cancer, are included as part of the questionnaire when you visit your health practitioner. (Need help creating a family medical history? Use the CDC’s My Family Health Portrait at https://phgkb.cdc.gov/FHH/html/index.html# to compile your family health history online.)

Screening tests

Regular breast cancer screening can find cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. While a mammography is the most common screening test for breast cancer, it may be recommended that you undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if you are at a high risk of breast cancer. 

What if you have dense breasts, meaning your breasts have relatively high amounts of glandular tissue and fibrous connective tissue and relatively low amounts of fatty breast tissue? Your healthcare practitioner may recommend that you have supplemental imaging tests such as 3-D mammography (breast tomosynthesis), ultrasound or an MRI. These tests are covered by insurance in many states.

Treatment options

If you have tested positive for a breast cancer-related gene mutation, discuss with your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. These can include taking antiestrogens or other medicines that block or decrease estrogen in your body or undergoing surgery to remove breast tissue, called a prophylactic (preventive) mastectomy.

What if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer? You will undergo further tests to study the cancer cells and determine the best course of treatment, based on how quickly the cancer may grow, how likely it is that the cancer will spread (metastasize) through the body, how well certain treatments might work and how likely the cancer is to recur.

Treatment options include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

You can also discuss with your doctor the possibility of enrolling in a clinical trial. 

Free mammograms. SICHC will be offering free mammograms at its 307 South Indiana office in English on November 3, 2021. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (812) 338-2924. 

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