In thirty-some years of practicing family medicine here in southern Indiana, I’ve learned a few things beyond the medical school curriculum. Here’s one you may identify with: a southern Indiana woman will dutifully drive forty-five minutes to take her grandson to the dentist, then turn around and drive forty-five minutes home—and never once think to schedule her own mammogram or check-up on the same trip.

With the above in mind, I’d like to remind you that May is National Women’s Health Month. This time around I’d like to offer some suggestions to make it real for you.

Last month I wrote an open letter to the women of our communities about the annual wellness visit—what I called one of the most powerful preventive tools we have in medicine. The month of May is a good time to try out some new ideas, because spring out here practically begs us to step outside, take stock, and start something new.

Let’s start here. Rural living comes with real gifts: fresh air, neighbors who actually know each other, legendary sweet corn and fresh tomatoes in the summer, and a restoring pace of life that big city people can only dream about.

But it also comes with real obstacles. Longer drives to specialists. Fewer evening appointment slots. And the quiet, unspoken expectation that Mom—or Grandma, or Auntie—will keep the whole operation running.

What women in rural areas face

National data tell us that rural women face higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and depression than their urban counterparts. Not because country life isn’t healthy, but because the system is harder to navigate when the nearest specialist is an hour away and somebody still needs to feed the chickens.

So here are three things I’d ask you to consider this May. They are simple, they are doable, and—if you’ll humor me — they are how a person builds a life of sustained good health, not just a one-month wellness sprint.

Schedule the visit you keep putting off

You know the one. Maybe it’s the well-woman exam. Maybe it’s the mammogram you’ve rescheduled twice. Maybe it’s the blood pressure or blood sugar check you keep meaning to do “once things settle down.” Let’s be honest. Things never “settle down.” They just shift. So pick one—just one—and put it on the calendar before the month is out.

Most insurance plans cover annual preventive care at no out-of-pocket cost. But if you are uninsured, please call us anyway. We will work with you.

This month, move your body, outdoors, on purpose, as many times as you can

Spring in southern Indiana is one of the great unsung blessings of American life. Walk the dog. Walk without the dog. Pull weeds. Take the grandkids to a trail at Patoka Lake.

You don’t need a gym membership or matching designer workout clothes—you need twenty or thirty minutes of intentional movement, three-to-four times a week. Your heart, your bones, your blood sugar, and your mood will all send you thank-you notes within a very short time.

Tend your mental and emotional health like you tend your tomato plants

You know what I see almost everyday? The caregivers in our communities are world champions at running on fumes.

My point? Sleep matters. So do honest conversations — with a friend, your faith community, or, when the load gets heavy, a counselor. One in four adults will face a mental health concern this year. You are neither alone nor an exception, and there is no judgment here.

May is one month in twelve, but a healthier you starts with one step. Pick one of the three. Take it this week. Then call us if we can help.

You matter to the people around you. And you matter to us. Make the month of May your month!

A board-qualified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has been providing services for women and families for more than 30 years in southern Indiana.

The post A Follow-up to the Women of Southern Indiana — Three Ways to Show Up for Yourself appeared first on Southern Indiana Community Health Care.

Spring is a time of encouraging renewal and hope, which reminds me of something I have noticed in over three decades of practicing medicine here in southern Indiana. Over that time, I have found that the women of our communities represent remarkable caregivers who often bring hope and encouragement. When needs arise – or even before others notice – they show up for their children, their aging parents, their neighbors, their churches. They organize, they nurture, they hold things together in ways that often go unnoticed and uncelebrated. They are real treasures for our communities and our southern Indiana way of life.

But far too often, I have found, they do not show up for themselves.

To the women of our southern Indiana communities, I want to bring up for your consideration something important, something that can get passed over: the annual wellness visit. I’m not talking about a quick visit to the clinic when you come down with a cold. Not a trip to the emergency room when something has gone wrong. I am talking about a scheduled, deliberate, proactive appointment – one designed entirely around you – your health history, what you may need to know about risk factors, your questions, and how to take care of yourself for the future.

A powerful tool for healthy living

How important is this? Research and experience has been clear on this point for years. An annual well-woman visit is not a formality. It is one of the most powerful tools we have in medicine – not to treat illness, but to prevent it.

Never had a wellness visit and wonder what happens? During your visit we talk in confidence. We review your personal and family health history. We will probably talk about heart health and whether anyone in your family has faced cancer or chronic conditions. Why? Because your family history can provide important clues that help us understand what may—underscore may – be in store.

The focus is both to emphasize the good things you’re doing health-wise and also to catch potential problems in their early stages. In a relaxed and safe place, we may talk about things like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. We may conduct some screenings. Nobody’s going to sit in judgment on these issues, and you may find yourself relieved. And perhaps most importantly, we give you the space to ask questions you may not bring up otherwise.

Important conversations women need to have

That last part matters more than one might think. Many of the health conversations women most need to have — about fatigue, mood changes, sleep, reproductive health, or simply the sense that “something doesn’t feel right” — never happen because life crowds out the opportunity.

A wellness visit creates that space.

Here are two common excuses: “I’m so busy I don’t have time.” Second, many women in our area carry a quiet concern about cost. If you have insurance, you should know that most plans are required to cover annual preventive visits at no out-of-pocket cost to you. If you are uninsured or underinsured, please call our office or the office of whoever provides your medical care. We will work with you.

Your health matters – because you matter

Still thinking you don’t have time? Please consider this: you matter to the people around you. Taking one hour, once a year, to invest in your own well-being is not selfish. It is wise. It is responsible. And I respectfully suspect it may be long overdue for many of you reading this.

So here is my invitation — and my ask. If you have not had a wellness visit this year, please call your provider and schedule one. If you have been putting it off, consider this your gentle and well-meaning nudge. And if a friend or family member comes to mind as you read these words, share this with her.

Your health is worth it. Please act today.

A board-qualified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has been providing wellness visits for women and families for more than 30 years in southern Indiana.

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Pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant? Starting a family and having a baby is one of the most wondrous and memorable times, one that spans a whole spectrum of experiences and emotions. If you’re thinking about having a baby or are already pregnant, here are some important considerations to think about.

If you’re a mother-to-be (or a supporting partner of a mother-to-be) or planning pregnancy, ask yourself: how’s my overall  health? The overall health of the mother has a lot to do with complications that can occur during pregnancy.  Knowing these risk factors prior to pregnancy or early in pregnancy can have a huge impact on the overall health of the pregnancy. 

Taking care of you and your growing baby

I have been seeing expectant mothers for a little over 6 years now. Among the first things I  discuss are: are you taking a daily prenatal vitamin? The second thing I often ask is: how are your eating habits?

During the formative weeks of baby growth, expectant mothers (and those working on having a baby) should strive for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. I know from experience that eating fresh can sometimes be a challenge in southern Indiana, but it’s easier in the summertime.

But even with meals planned around fresh foods – especially in folate-rich foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits and beans/legumes – gaps can occur. Taking prenatal vitamins before pregnancy and especially during the first trimester is important. Taking an over-the-counter prenatal vitamin with folic acid, iron, and calcium is highly recommended and gives the baby the best environment to develop in. 

The essential nutrients in a balanced diet and prenatal vitamins benefit your baby’s physical development and overall health. Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects in the spine and brain. Iron in your diet and prenatal vitamins help support blood volume as your baby develops; nutritional calcium supports strong bone development; and DHA supports brain development.

Partner with a provider

So as you’re reading this, you may have questions. That leads to the next important recommendation: if you’re pregnant (confirmed by a test after missing a period), it is very important that you select and see a provider for a prenatal visit within four-six weeks of getting pregnant. If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you schedule a well-woman visit with your provider. Well-woman visits can include a review of pre-conception issues that can be identified and addressed to help lower potential risk factors and promote the conception and development of a healthy baby.

In the first prenatal visit, your provider will work with you to check on your overall health and come up with a plan to promote a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. 

Worried about how much this will cost? Many insurance plans – including the HIP 2.0 plan – include specific benefits to support mothers-to-be and their babies. Our area of service in southern Indiana includes a number of non-profit organizations – like Hope Resources in Bedford – who provide a whole range of supportive services at low- or no-cost (also, some insurance providers suspend co-pays and provide other benefits while pregnant). You can always call any of our SICHC offices (or other healthcare providers) to ask upfront. (Note, HIP 2.0 and insurance companies like MHS in Indiana offer some specific advice: https://secure.in.gov/fssa/hip/about-hip/hip-maternity/ and https://www.mhsindiana.com/members/hip/benefits-services/pregnancy.html)

Since this is the digital generation, I find that many expectant mothers have already done some online research before they see me. You need to be careful about online advice, but there are some good general resources like https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/index.html and https://www.pampers.com/en-us/pregnancy/birthing-classes.  But remember, nothing fully replaces in-person prenatal care with a qualified provider.

A final note about a serious matter: in this day and age, sometimes mothers-to-be face challenges with substance abuse and related disorders. If this is you, don’t let that stop you from seeking prenatal or pregnancy care. All matters like these are treated confidentially and you will be safe.

Pregnancy is an exciting and wonderful journey. Partner with your provider and travel this journey with confidence and good health.

Amanda Bowman is a family nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, seeing patients from all Southern Indiana Community Health Care service areas. 

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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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Besides helping to build a special bond between you and your baby, breastfeeding has been rightly called by physicians and researchers “the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition.”  Why? Because breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet the complex needs of your growing baby, producing unmatched health benefits for both infant and mother.

Did you know that research shows that infants who are breastfed have reduced risks of developing asthma, obesity, or Type 1 Diabetes? Breastfeeding also reduces the risks of certain kinds of severe respiratory disease, ear infections, infections that produce diarrhea and vomiting, and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Here’s an unusual fact: statistical research notes that babies who are breastfed usually later score higher on IQ tests. 

And on top of all of those benefits, breastfeeding helps mothers too. Research shows that mothers who breastfeed can have lower risks of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and both ovarian and breast cancer.

Why is breastfeeding so good for your baby? From a nutritional standpoint, your breast milk usually gives your baby certain hormones and just the right amount of protein, sugar, fat and most vitamins that your infant needs at this critical time. Your breast milk also includes tailored antibodies that help your baby ward off infection and illness.

Other benefits include the fact that you can breastfeed at any time. You don’t have to prepare or heat up any formula, and there’s no mess to clean up. Plus, the more you breastfeed, the more your body will produce milk, making as much nutritional milk as your baby needs. That’s important, because breast milk usually provides 100% of the food and drink that your baby needs for the first six months.

With all of these benefits, there is still a challenge. While some 83% of babies start out with breastfeeding, that can change rapidly. Statistical research notes that only one in four infants are exclusively breastfed as medically recommended by the time they are six months old.

Questions or concerns? Talk with one of our OB providers at Southern Indiana Community Health Care for more information.

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Pregnant or thinking about it? This is a time of excitement, anticipation – and big changes. Here are six steps to promote health and reduce risks during your pregnancy.

Get prenatal care. Prenatal care is crucial. During these prenatal care visits, your provider will carefully monitor your baby’s growth and development. As experienced mothers know, your body will undergo big changes during your pregnancy, so your provider will also be checking how you are doing. During these visits your provider will work to detect and address any issues. You’ll receive suggestions and advice on how to maintain good health. 

Given that, here’s an important point: In our area of southern Indiana, making appointments and traveling to see a provider for prenatal care can be a challenge. It’s very important for you and your baby to get regular prenatal care during your pregnancy, so this is a time for you and your family (and friends) to work together to schedule and make appointments (Southern Indiana Community Health Care may be able to help – visit sichc.org/services for more information). 

Eat well and drink plenty of water. Sound nutrition is always important. But eating fresh vegetables and fruit with whole grains and lean proteins while you’re pregnant is especially important. Indiana generally in the summer and early falls offers plenty of fresh goods, so stock up. Consider taking a folic acid supplement but avoid Vitamin A supplements (unless recommended by a provider) and limit caffeine intake (caffeine appears in coffee, some teas, colas, and some chocolates and medications – note: some new research suggests that expectant mothers would do well to completely stop consuming any caffeine, due to possible miscarriage and birth defect risks). Lighten up on fatty foods like cheeseburgers, French fries, fried tenderloins and other related foods. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Exercise regularly, but also get extra rest. Walking, swimming and yoga all represent good low-impact exercises. Talk with your provider during prenatal visits about what’s good for you. It’s also totally fine to nap and rest. Regular sleep can be challenging from pregnancy-related discomforts, but it’s still important.

Avoid stress and promote emotional wellbeing. Even with the joy of becoming a mother, it’s common to experience occasional stress and anxiety, even depression, during a pregnancy. Exercise can help moderate this, and stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing and yoga also can help. 

Avoid harmful substances. If you or a partner are a smoker, now’s the time to quit. The same goes for any alcohol or illegal drugs. All of these can lead to severe complications, birth defects, and development issues. Ask your provider for suggestions and help ( as well as advice about any vitamin or herbal supplements you may be taking). 

Create a safe place. Where possible and appropriate, straighten up your living areas to minimize accidents (ask for help as needed). You and your unborn baby should avoid exposure to cleaning agents that have toxic ingredients (like certain bathroom and kitchen cleaners). That includes pesticides. Wash your hands regularly.

Pregnancy can and should be a time of joyful expectation. To help ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby, follow these steps (and the advice of your provider). Working now for a healthy pregnancy can help promote a lifetime of good health for your baby. (For more tips and downloadable information in English and Spanish, please visit https://sichc.org/obstetrics/)

A board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Melissa Ray has more than 25 years of healthcare experience, including service in the greater Crawford, Lawrence and Orange county regions. She offers primary and obstetrics care, pregnancy, well-baby, and well-woman services.

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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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It can first appear as chronic unexplained abdominal or lower back pain, or unusual conditions during a menstrual cycle. The pain can inexplicably get worse before and during menstruation, or while having sex.

These can represent symptoms of endometriosis, a condition that affects about 11% of American women aged 15 to 44. While it doesn’t affect all women, endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases. Since March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, now is a good time to learn what unexplained symptoms might mean, why you should see your medical professional if you have symptoms, and what treatments are available to you.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis, commonly called “endo,” is diagnosed when female cells that typically only appear in the lining of a woman’s uterus (technically called the endometrium) start to grow in other areas of a woman’s body outside of the uterus lining. These misplaced cells still follow the physical menstrual cycle of a woman’s body, even though they are not physically located in the woman’s uterus.

It hurts! Chronic pain, including severe and uncomfortable pain, can result from the cells trying to respond to the menstrual period. The areas where these cells grow may be called implants, nodules or patches. 

The origin and cause of endometriosis is not fully understood. Endometriosis occurs most of the time in other parts of the female reproductive system or nearby. “Endo” patches can appear in tissue that lines a woman’s abdominal wall (peritoneum), her ovaries, fallopian tubes or even in the woman’s bladder, intestines, or rectum. 

One of the reasons that a regular annual exam is important for women is that sometimes endometriosis has no pain associated with the condition. In severe cases, untreated endometriosis can lead to infertility and an inability to conceive and have children. 

Can I tell if I have “endo”?

No simple test exists to diagnose whether endometriosis exists. If your medical professional suspects the presence of endometriosis, a physical exam (including a pelvic exam) will typically be conducted. Endometriosis can produce identifiable physical cysts, scars or nodules. 

Your medical professional may also schedule an imaging test (ultrasound or MRI). A procedure called a laparoscopy may follow to take a tissue sample. That will help confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis. 

What are available treatments?

Potential treatments should be discussed with your medical professional, particularly if you desire to conceive and have children. Simple over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain relievers can help. Your medical professional may suggest hormone therapy. Some surgical procedures do physically remove the nodules (or “patches”) may be recommended, particularly if other treatment options don’t provide adequate relief, or if women want to address potential fertility issues.

If you have been trying to conceive and have children, but have not yet been successful, ask your medical professional about a possible diagnosis of endometriosis. It’s estimated that close to four in ten women who experience infertility actually have endometriosis that is causing inflammation. The inflammation can prevent or complicate conception. Treatment is available to help address this issue.

Don’t wait

If you’re having unusual, chronic pain or heavy menstrual flow, contact your medical professional – don’t wait. Relief and treatment are available to you today.

Melissa Ray is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Her work at SICHC includes primary and obstetrics care, pregnancy, well-baby, and well-woman services.

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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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