October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Empower. Educate. Encourage.
Every October, pink ribbons start to appear on lapels, storefronts, and social media feeds. But Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than ribbons — it’s about real lives, real prevention, and real hope.
At Hyatt Clinic, we believe awareness must go hand-in-hand with action. Early detection saves lives, and understanding your body, your risks, and your options can make all the difference.
💗 The Numbers — and the Hope Behind Them
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. In the U.S., approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
That statistic can sound frightening — but here’s the encouraging truth: when detected early, breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate of nearly 99%. The key is early detection, consistent screening, and lifestyle awareness.
🩺 Prevention Starts with Awareness
You can’t control everything, but you can take steps to reduce risk and catch problems early.
Here’s what we recommend at Hyatt Clinic:
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Know your body.
Perform monthly breast self-exams. Know how your breasts normally look and feel, and report any new changes — lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or pain — to your physician. -
Schedule your screenings.
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Mammograms typically begin at age 40, but if you have a strong family history, screenings may need to start earlier.
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Ask your physician whether 3D mammography, ultrasound, or MRI is right for your situation.
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Eat for longevity.
A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, and lean proteins (think Mediterranean-style eating) can help reduce inflammation and hormone imbalance. -
Move your body.
Just 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week lowers cancer risk — not just breast cancer, but colon, uterine, and others too. -
Mind your hormones.
Hormone replacement therapy and certain birth control pills can increase risk depending on duration and dose. These should always be discussed and monitored carefully. -
Limit alcohol and don’t smoke.
Both increase breast cancer risk — and cutting back benefits your whole body.
👩⚕️ Screening Guidelines at a Glance
| Age | Screening Recommendations |
|---|---|
| 20–39 | Monthly self-exam, clinical exam every 1–3 years |
| 40–49 | Annual mammogram and clinical breast exam |
| 50+ | Continue yearly or every 2 years depending on risk factors |
| High-risk (genetic/family history) | Discuss MRI or earlier screening schedule |
Remember — these are general guidelines. Every woman’s risk is unique, and that’s why personalized care matters.
🧬 Understanding Your Risk Factors
Some risk factors can’t be changed — like genetics, family history, or age — but many are modifiable.
At Hyatt Clinic, we often look at the whole person:
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Hormone balance (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
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Weight and insulin resistance
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Vitamin D levels (low levels are linked to higher breast cancer risk)
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Stress and sleep patterns
Functional medicine focuses on prevention and restoring balance long before disease appears — that’s where Direct Primary Care shines.
🩸 Genetic Testing & Personalized Prevention
For women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing can provide vital insight.
Knowing your genetic status doesn’t mean fear — it means empowerment. You can plan screenings, lifestyle changes, and even preventive strategies tailored to you.
We can help you navigate that process confidentially and comfortably right here at Hyatt Clinic.
💕 Support Matters — For Everyone
Breast cancer doesn’t only affect women — it impacts families, friends, and entire communities.
Men can also develop breast cancer (though rare), and they play an essential role in supporting the women in their lives.
Encourage your spouse, sister, mother, or friend to get screened. Offer to go with them. Talk about it. Awareness spreads through conversation.
🌸 Our Commitment
At Hyatt Clinic, we’re committed to compassionate, accessible, and proactive healthcare.
Whether you need guidance on scheduling a mammogram, exploring hormonal balance, or understanding risk factors — we’re here for you every step of the way.
We also believe healthcare should be personal and affordable — that’s the beauty of Direct Primary Care. We take the time to truly know our patients, so prevention isn’t rushed or reactive — it’s intentional.
💬 Let’s Turn Awareness into Action
This October, wear pink, share stories, and most importantly — take action.
Schedule your screening. Encourage someone you love. Learn your risks.
Awareness is only powerful when it leads to change.
Hyatt Clinic
Because your health deserves more than a 15-minute visit.
📍 Cape Girardeau, Missouri
📞 573-381-5050
🌐 www.hyattclinic.com
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