October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and St. Charles Hospital in Bend is using the occasion to remind the community about the importance of early detection. Jessica Keegan, the cancer screening and prevention coordinator at the hospital, explained that routine annual mammograms are recommended beginning at age 40, when breast cancer is most treatable.
Screening guidelines for the general public
Keegan emphasized that a simple yearly mammogram can catch cancer before it spreads. “It’s really treatable. So one of the great things that you can do is get screened,” she said. “You start at the age of 40 and continually doing annual screening mammograms.”
High‑risk clinic for families with a history of cancer
For individuals with a family medical history or known genetic mutations, St. Charles offers a dedicated high‑risk clinic. Patients receive a comprehensive, hour‑long consultation that reviews their personal risk factors, discusses possible genetic testing, and outlines a personalized imaging plan.
“The high‑risk clinic is a clinic that women are able to come in,” Keegan explained. “We do a long consultation with them, meaning like an hour consultation going over what their risk is and then go through giving them recommendations of what their imaging care should look like and what their next steps should be.”
Warning signs to watch for
Health professionals also urged anyone who notices changes in breast tissue to seek medical evaluation promptly. Keegan listed specific symptoms that merit a call to a health‑care provider: a new lump, dimpling of the skin, nipple discharge, swelling, or redness.
“If they are finding that there’s a new lump, dimpling in their skin, nipple discharge, swelling in their breasts or redness in the breast, then they should definitely contact their provider,” Keegan said.
Men are not exempt
While breast cancer is far more common in women, men can develop the disease as well. Keegan encouraged men to monitor for any physical changes and to participate in an annual wellness exam that includes a manual breast exam.
“We encourage individuals to complete an annual woman’s wellness exam, which includes a manual breast exam, and to reach out to a medical professional if any symptoms occur or if questions arise regarding family history,” she added.
Community resources
St. Charles Hospital is making the high‑risk clinic and educational materials available throughout the month, hoping to empower Bend residents to take proactive steps in their health. The hospital’s outreach aligns with national Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiatives, but the focus remains on local families and the resources they can access right here in Central Oregon.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
