Ever try convincing your husband, dad, brother or boyfriend it’s time to visit his primary care physician? We know men are less likely than women to ask for directions and may be less likely to routinely visit their doctor. The age-old adage “men don’t go to the doctor” is alive and well, even in today’s modern age of life-prolonging medicine. It’s time to convince men that self-care is not only sexy, but smart! Many men value caring for their looks, but miss the biggest piece of the puzzle – what’s happening inside their bodies. As a result, they ignore opportunities to find and deal with medical problems in their early stages when many conditions are more treatable and less threatening to overall health.

Men’s tendency to seek healthcare services only in “crisis” situations – and to see themselves as strong and healthy enough to skip checkups and recommended screenings – is a behavior pointing to the leading causes of death for American men, which include cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, stroke and diabetes. The risk of developing these conditions can be reduced with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and regular medical care. Many disorders, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are “silent” illnesses and do not cause telltale symptoms that may lead to a doctor's visit. Routine checkups and screenings are critical for detecting hidden problems and staying healthy.

Why Screening Tests Are Important

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, when it comes to proactive prevention and early detection, men are 24 percent less likely than women to visit a health professional for a medical appointment and 22 percent more likely than women to have neglected their cholesterol tests. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other medical organizations encourage men to get regular screening tests to find serious health problems early when chances of successful treatment are best. Men should ask their healthcare provider about tests for the following:

• High cholesterol. Beginning at age 35, men should get their cholesterol checked regularly, at least every five years. Men younger than age 35 could benefit from cholesterol testing if they smoke or have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.
• High blood pressure. All men should get their blood pressure checked at least every two years, or more often if recommended by a healthcare provider.
• Diabetes. Men should schedule a blood glucose test for diabetes if they have raised cholesterol or high blood pressure. They should also have this test if they notice signs of diabetes, including frequent thirst and urination, extreme tiredness and blurred vision. Healthy men, starting at age 45, should get screened every three years.
• Colorectal cancer. Screenings should begin at age 50, or earlier if there is a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening can be done with either an annual fecal occult blood test or colonoscopy every 10 years.
• Speak with a healthcare provider about screening. The age at which men begin screening depends on several things including family history and ethnic group. The healthcare provider will decide which screenings, if any, are best for each man’s situation.

Take our free online health assessments today.

Motivate Men to Have More Self Love

Men who go to the doctor’s office for physical pain-related needs often do so either because extreme pain directly affects their quality of life or because a loved one prompts them. Encourage all of the men in your life to put their well-being first. Above all, let them know that what makes a man a man is not how strong he is, but how much stability he gives others. By prioritizing their health, men, in turn, offer well-being to their entire family and those they love. When they’re tempted to delay a medical visit, prompt the men in your life to think about their value as a provider, caregiver and role model.

Looking for a Freeman primary care provider? Freeman Physician Finder, 417.347.3767, can help. 

About the author
Ashley Southern, MSN, FNP, Freeman Urology Associates, devotes as much time as necessary to provide patients the opportunity to express their concerns and get their questions answered. The team at Freeman Urology Associates, including Dr. James Frogge, places a high emphasis on patient education to ensure patients have a clear understanding about their particular condition. For more information on the quality services provided at Freeman Urology Associates, please call 417.347.3703. No referrals needed.

Freeman Health System recently held its first recognition ceremony in conjunction with the DAISY Foundation program. The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. During his eight-week hospital stay, his family was impressed by the care and compassion his nurses provided, not only to him, but to everyone in the family. They created the DAISY Award in Pat’s memory to recognize those nurses who make a big difference in the lives of many people.

A few months ago, Freeman began requesting DAISY Award nominations from patients, fellow nurses, volunteers, physicians, staff or visitors. The nominee was to describe a situation in which the nurse demonstrated at least one of these principles:

P – Passion/compassion for nursing and the care provided to the patient and family
E – Empathy in the situation
T – Trust and teamwork with families, patients and teammates
A – Admirable attributes possessed
L – Loyalty to patients, families and hospital
S – Selflessness

It was no surprise Freeman received an abundance of nomination forms recognizing the compassionate care and clinical expertise of registered nurses. With the help of the Shared Governance Nursing Coordinating Council, Freeman selected three nurses to be honored at its first quarterly DAISY Award presentation.

The first recipient, Stacy Pryor, RN, from Freeman Emergency Department. Stacy was  nominated by a visitor whose 13-year-old son, James, needed medical attention. James had  viral encephalitis and needed to be transferred to a children’s hospital in Kansas City.

The mother writes: “Stacy was empathetic and warm, yet professional. She was professionally  proficient and communicated with us effectively and in a timely manner. Her calm demeanor  and excellent nursing skills were noticed and appreciated. James is doing wonderfully now,  due  in large part to the care he received at Freeman’s Emergency Department. Thank you!”

The second DAISY Award winner is Shelly Shoemaker, RN, from Freeman Medical/Oncology,  was nominated by staff member, Linda Bailey. Linda was delivering a dinner tray to a patient  who wouldn’t respond and was breathing strangely. Linda quickly contacted Shelly who  discovered the patient was trying to cause harm to himself and intervened.

Linda writes: “Shelly saved his life. She responded quickly when I expressed concern for him.  She was very professional in her duties and showed him great compassion and  encouragement in the following days during his stay. She is a hero in my eyes.”

The final DAISY Award winner for this quarter is Megan Dirteater, RN, from Medical/Oncology.  Megan was nominated by a visitor whose mother was receiving care.

The nomination reads: “Every time Megan came into the room she had a smile on her face! She   was full of compassion and treated my mother as family. Megan brushed my mother’s hair and  rubbed lotion on her back to help her feel at ease at bedtime. My mother has dementia, and  even if my mother doesn’t remember her tomorrow, I will never forget the care Megan provided. The care she provided was truly exceptional.”

Congratulations to all of Freeman’s DAISY Award winners! Each honoree received a certificate commending her or him for being an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch” and a box of Cinnabon® cinnamon rolls.  Shelly, Stacy and Megan are heroes who demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise and compassionate care. They serve as outstanding role models for the nursing profession.

Do you know a nurse deserving of the DAISY Award? Complete an online nomination form today!

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April Bennett, MSN, RN, is Vice President of Nursing Services at Freeman Health System. April earned a Master of Science in nursing education from University of Missouri Kansas City and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Missouri Southern State University. Providing care for nine years at Freeman, April has a passion for providing quality, compassionate and safe care to every patient, every time. 

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, campfires, swimming pools, ball games and outdoor adventures. Embrace summer fun with these helpful safety tips to keep yourself and your family injury-free.

Beat the heat

Working, playing or exercising in extremely hot, humid temperatures increases the risk of dehydration, which can lead to serious heat-related conditions such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. 

Staying hydrated will help you keep cool and prevent heat-related illnesses or injuries. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after outdoor activities. Have a glass of water before you get thirsty, instead of waiting until you feel the need for a drink. Take a break, rehydrate every 20 minutes and rest in a shady area. Pay close attention to the temperature outside as well as the humidity and heat index.

Limit sun exposure

The right amount of sun exposure can improve your mood, boost your immune system and supply you with a healthy dose of vitamin D. However, overexposure to the sun’s rays can cause skin damage in the form of sunburns and even skin cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, five to 15 minutes of sun exposure two to three times a week is all you need to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. If you plan to be out in the sun for longer periods of time, use sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection that has a SPF 30 rating. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-absorbent sunglasses can also help protect your face and eyes from sun damage.

Keep campfires contained

Completely extinguish campfires and leave no flame un-attended. Place the campfire or grill in a safe location, and keep flammable items away from the fire.

Avoid creepy crawlies

Wearing long sleeves and long pants and using bug spray will help keep unwanted critters at bay. Insect repellant is safe to use for children two years of age and older. Get rid of wet areas and pools of water around your home where mosquitos like to lurk – these can include old tires, buckets or low areas in the yard. When bees, wasps, ticks, spiders or other bugs bite, minimize the number of bites by going inside immediately. Check the bite site for increased redness, swelling or signs of infection. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical care right away.

Gear up

Wearing appropriate protective gear will prevent injuries during sports or other summer activities. When biking, roller-skating or skateboarding; use knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet. Life jackets and flotation devices are essential for boating, fishing or a day at the pool. Ensure your protective gear is in good working condition and has the proper fit. 

About the Author: Thomas Hopkins, MD, is a board-certified family physician at Freeman Urgent Care and has been practicing medicine for more than 30 years. He and his wife live in Missouri and have two grandchildren. He co-authored the historical novel, “The Princes Of Albion,” with his identical twin brother. He plays the banjo, photographs bears in the wild and likes to dress up in period attire to shoot his six-shooter in cowboy action competitions.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, five million Americans have a hernia, yet only 750,000 seek treatment each year. A hernia can be uncomfortable, unsightly and painful, and even cause life-threatening complications. However, some hernias cause no symptoms. Don’t let a hernia stand in the way of your health, comfort or daily activities. Take the steps to learn about hernias and treatment options.

A hernia is a protrusion, or bulge, of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body. Most hernias occur through a weakness in the abdominal wall – creating a lump you can see and feel. This protrusion may develop in the groin, around the navel or near a previous surgical incision. Hernias may develop slowly over a period of months or years but can also develop more rapidly. Some hernias are even present at birth.

The most common symptoms for a hernia include a lump in the abdomen or groin, which may or may not disappear while lying down or applying pressure. The lump may continue to increase in size over time. One may also experience a dull, aching sensation that increases with activity.

Hernias have many causes – some of the most common include:

• Congenital (present at birth)
• Muscle weakness due to weight gain and aging
• Muscle strain from heavy lifting and/or pregnancy
• Strenuous activity
• Injury
• Scar from previous abdominal surgery
• Chronic coughing or sneezing

Diagnosis of a hernia can be as simple as a physical exam by your physician. If the hernia isn’t easily apparent, your physician may suggest imaging, such as a CT scan, or a referral for follow-up with a surgeon. After diagnosis, a variety of different treatment options for hernias are available, but the only way to effectively treat a hernia and provide long-lasting relief is to have it surgically repaired.

Hernia repairs are common, routine surgical procedures, most often repaired one of two ways – open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery is when a surgeon makes an incision in the abdominal wall to repair the hernia, whereas laparoscopic surgery is when the surgeon makes a few small incisions, inserts long thin tools and a camera, and repairs the hernia. Most of the time, hernia repairs are outpatient procedures. In both surgical methods, the hernia is most commonly repaired using mesh reinforcement, which generally decreases recurrence, is well accepted by the body and encourages healthy tissue growth.

Hernias are common in both men and women of all ages. If you are experiencing discomfort, don’t wait! Schedule your physical exam with your primary care physician today, or call a Freeman General Surgeon.

About the Author

Alan Buchele, MD, FACS, earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. Board-certified in general surgery, he completed his residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Buchele is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and he currently serves as Governor of the Southwest Missouri Chapter of the American College of Surgeons – representing surgeons of multiple specialties in Southwest Missouri on a national level. Dr. Buchele has practiced medicine in Joplin since 1996 – joining Freeman Physician Group in 2011. He also sees patients in Pittsburg, Kansas, at Freeman Physician Group of Pittsburg. For more information about hernias, please visit freemanhealth.com/hernia or call 417.347.8585.

Freeman has partnered with four southwestern Missouri school districts to form school-based health clinics. At the beginning of the school year, parents receive information regarding the program, which includes an informational packet outlining the services provided and how the program works. Freeman also collaborated with schools to develop a student health inventory form and consent for treatment form to save parents/guardians time by reducing the number of forms to complete.

When a child becomes sick at school, he or she visits the school nurse. If the school nurse determines the student’s needs are beyond the resources available at the school, the school nurse contacts the local, collaborating healthcare clinic via telehealth with pre-arranged parental consent. Telehealth is the use of digital technologies to assist in the delivery of medical care by connecting multiple users in separate locations. If the student requires additional treatment from a nurse practitioner and/or physician, priority access to the clinic is available. Some of the school districts provide transportation for the student to the clinic if the parent/guardian is unable to leave work or no transportation is available. Prompt treatment and transportation allow students to return to the classroom as quickly as possible – reducing missed days. Faculty and staff are also eligible for services provided by the school-based health clinic.

Some of the services Freeman offers include:

• Telehealth conferencing between the school nurse and nurse practitioner and/or physician to determine if child needs to be seen by a medical provider or if they can return to class
• Physical exam by a nurse practitioner and/or physician with diagnosis and treatment of illness and minor injuries
• Health and nutrition education, counseling and wellness promotion
• Immunizations
• Management of chronic conditions
• Prescription for medication when necessary for treatment of acute illness or condition
• Behavioral health services may also be available when needed

Costs of a school-based health clinic vary based on the agreement between the school district and the collaborating health system. Most programs are designed to ensure that no child is denied service based solely on inability to pay.

In addition to providing easy and prompt access to healthcare, school-based health clinics and partnerships impact students to reduce absenteeism, reduce emergency room and urgent care visits, and increase health knowledge among students. This partnership allows children to succeed in their education and become healthier adults.

Freeman has collaborated with area schools to establish four school-based health clinics to date. With the success of these programs, Freeman hopes to continue growing area partnerships. Current partnerships include:

• Carl Junction R-1 School District and Freeman Carl Junction Family Medicine
• McDonald County R-1 School District and Freeman Clinic of Anderson
• Neosho R-5 School District and Freeman Neosho Physician Group
• Seneca R-7 School District and Freeman Seneca Family Medicine

Learn more about our school-based health clinics.

About the Author

Renee Denton is Freeman Neosho Hospital Chief Operating Officer at Freeman Neosho Hospital – serving in this position since 2012. She joined Freeman in 2010. Renee represented Freeman Health System and played an integral role in collaborating with local school districts to establish area school-based health clinics to provide convenient, quality healthcare to students, faculty, staff and their families.

Someone in the United States attempts suicide every 29 seconds.* Every 11.9 minutes, someone successfully ends their life.

The Four States is no exception. In fact, Missouri loses more lives to suicide than car accidents, yet for many of us, an unspoken code of silence surrounds the issue.

Suicide is a heavy subject, and the stigma attached to mental illness keeps many from talking about their thoughts or feelings. These individuals suffer in silence, and many times, those around them are afraid to ask if they are OK.

It is time to break the code of silence. It is not easy to ask someone directly about suicidal thoughts, but the discomfort of asking is small compared to the pain of having a loved one take their own life.   

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, our highly-trained mental health professionals can help. Call the Ozark Center Crisis Line at 417.347.7720 or 800.247.0661 for immediate assistance, day or night. You can also send a text message to 720.7.TXTOZK for an anonymous, two-way texting counseling session. Both these services are free of charge.

*American Association of Suicidology

About the Author

Debbie Fitzgerald, EdS, LPC, NCC, is director of crisis services at Ozark Center. She has 33 years of experience in the mental health field, and for the past 30 years, she has served the community through her work at Ozark Center. She has certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors, and crisis worker certification from the American Association of Suicidology.

Man’s best friend is also one of man’s best healers. Pet therapy dogs are widely recognized in the healthcare community for their ability to improve patient outcomes. Their happy faces and fuzzy paws open doors and hearts to the healing process.

Pet therapy – also called animal-assisted therapy – helps people cope with serious health problems. Unlike service dogs, which cannot be touched, pet therapy dogs are meant to be petted and even held. Their affectionate touch and calming presence reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood and energy levels.

Therapy dogs offer a valuable service to patients. In order to volunteer in the hospital, pet therapy animals and handlers complete training and are reevaluated every two years. Prepared to handle high-stress situations, these canines and their owners have clearance to serve in all areas of the hospital – including the intensive care unit and emergency department. Doctors and other clinical staff can request a visit from the pet therapy team if a patient needs comforting.

Gifted with the desire for human connection, dogs have a natural instinct to comfort people in emotional, mental or physical distress. Their ability to pinpoint pain helps them to recognize patients with the greatest need and offer temporary relief from pain or discomfort. When a patient feels discouraged, unsettled or depressed, a loving nudge from a therapy dog can offer the strength and encouragement they need to continue treatment and rehabilitation.

Pet therapy doesn’t just help patients. Families, visitors and staff also experience the benefits of the program. For families whose loved ones have been admitted to the hospital, therapy dogs offer a welcome distraction. After a long, stressful work day, employees enjoy a comforting nuzzle from these furry friends too.

Although anyone can apply to be a pet therapy volunteer, not every person (or every dog) is suited for the job. Volunteering in a stressful environment can prove challenging for both handlers and their animals. Dogs and their owners must remain calm and focused when emotions run high, and trust each other in hard situations. A good handler knows their dog’s trigger points and will step away if their dog is feeling anxious or fearful.

To register as a pet therapy handler, volunteers and their dogs take a course, complete a screening process and pass an in-person team evaluation. To volunteer in a hospital, handlers must pass background checks, complete additional training and register with a pet therapy program. Volunteer handlers need to make sure their dogs are up-to-date on all vaccinations, and are well-groomed and bathed prior to patient interaction.

For those with a desire to help others, becoming a pet therapy volunteer can be an incredibly rewarding experience – both for the dogs and their owners. To find out if your four-legged friend would make a good therapy dog, visit petpartners.org.

About the Author: Sue Hicks is a certified master groomer, owner of Lucky Dog, LLC, a pet boarding and grooming business in Joplin, Missouri. She leads a team of seven volunteer handlers and 13 dogs with Pet Partners pet therapy program. Sue and her canine companions enjoy bringing smiles to patients at Freeman Health System.

As flu season approaches, a lot of information begins to circulate about the flu vaccine. Some information may be true but some may not. Get your facts straight about the flu vaccine so you can protect yourself, your loved ones and those around you.

Myth: Flu vaccines cause people to become sick with the flu.

While some people may experience mild aches or soreness from the vaccine, the vaccine itself does not cause the flu. Mild aches are much more manageable than the flu, which can take you away from work or school for several days.

Fact: High-risk groups should get the flu vaccine, but they are not the only ones. Everyone should receive a flu shot.

Doctors highly recommend the flu vaccine to high-risk groups, including children 6 months and older, adults over 65, pregnant women and those with chronic illness. However, it is important for everyone to receive the flu vaccine to decrease the spread of disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season. It is also important for those who work with others in close proximity to receive a flu shot – this includes healthcare professionals (clinical and non-clinical), teachers, airport staff, etc. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is through flu vaccination.  

Myth: Flu vaccines do not work to prevent the flu.

It is true that some vaccine components are less protective against some flu strands than others. The effectiveness varies year to year, but overall the risk of getting the flu is much lower if you are vaccinated than if you are not.

Fact: Flu vaccine must be repeated every year.

The flu vaccine lasts for months, but it does not last year to year. It is important to receive a flu vaccine every year to protect yourself and those around you.

Myth: Flu vaccines often cause neurological problems.

Neurological problems associated with the flu vaccine are extremely rare. In fact, the risk of contracting neurological problems from the actual flu is higher than getting it from the vaccine.

Fact: The nasal flu spray vaccine is no longer recommended or used.

The CDC no longer provides nasal flu spray vaccine because of its low effectiveness. The most effective vaccine is the injectable flu shot, which protects against four different types of flu strands.

The fact is: the key to flu prevention is receiving the flu vaccine. Other everyday preventive actions include covering you coughs and sneezes, frequent hand-washing and avoiding those who are sick. If you begin to develop flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea, contact your doctor immediately. To stay up-to-date on all things flu, visit cdc.gov/flu.

About the Author

Jeffrey Grills, MD, serves as Freeman Health System Vice President of Medical Affairs. Dr. Grills received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, and completed his residency in pediatrics at Indiana University Hospitals, Indianapolis, Indiana. Board-certified in pediatrics, Dr. Grills practiced for more than 18 years with Freeman Children’s Clinic. He has served as VP of Medical Affairs since 2015.

For those wanting to dedicate time and energy volunteering, both Carol Ann Morrison and Donna Pritchard, Freeman Volunteers, recommend Freeman Health System Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute. Pritchard has been with the institute for two years, and Morrison for three (but has been volunteering at Freeman for more than 18 years!). Both women help patients receiving chemotherapy.

Morrison, who always wanted to be a nurse but spent her career in retail, says she finds fulfillment because this work is hands on and she can spend her time in service of the sick. “You build relationships,” she said. “Consequently, Donna and I, just this year, have attended three funerals and have done some house calls just because we have taken a close interest in these people.” Pritchard says her best memories from volunteering come from seeing patients and hearing them say, “Today’s my last day in chemo!” Although Morrison and Pritchard never wish to see anyone in chemotherapy, they enjoy seeing regulars because they have connected with the patients and become good friends.

Many people believe working or volunteering with patients receiving chemotherapy would be depressing and incredibly hard, but Pritchard and Morrison are amazed at how positive both patients and staff are at the facility. “You would think it would be a downer,” Pritchard said, “but they’re so optimistic.” Morrison believes the environment at the institute is enjoyable, and the people are friendly and genuine.

The work itself is “humbling, rewarding” said Pritchard. It makes her thankful for her own health. For Morrison, “Volunteering, giving and being of service – it’s first nature, not second nature.” The women have also found a community at Freeman. Many of the volunteers easily connect with one another because they have so much in common. The relationships, fulfillment and positivity come from “trying to give that smile, that kindness,” and they do so volunteering at Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute.

Of course, as Morrison reminds us, volunteering in a chemotherapy center “isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.” Freeman volunteers can choose to work in many different locations. When asked how she likes the institute, Pritchard said, “I’m happy here.” She also believes that you should volunteer where you are comfortable, and finding a place where you enjoy offering your services is a central element of truly making a difference. For more information about volunteering at Freeman, contact Linda McIntosh at 417.347.4603.

About Linda McIntosh: As Freeman Health System Volunteer Services Program Manager, Linda McIntosh leads Freeman Auxiliary with responsibilities that include fundraising, program development, volunteer scheduling, recruitment, retention and training. McIntosh understands the importance of volunteering in the community, and ensures that volunteers are placed in positions that match their interests and where they can do the most good.

The lifetime risk of breast cancer has increased during the 20th Century. In 1940, the risk to age 85 years was 1 in 20, about 5 percent. By 1989, the risk to age 85 years was about 1 in 9, about 11.1 percent. Today, the risk to age 85 years is about 1 in 8 or about 12.1 percent.

This is due to the long-term trend of increasing breast cancer incidence and increasing longevity. Life expectancy of women born between 1900 and 1902 was 51 years, compared to those born between 1959 and 1961 with a life expectancy of 74 years. The greatest rate of increase of most cancer incidence is in women 40 years of age and older. Lifetime risk represents the accumulation of risk over successive intervals with each interval having higher risk than the previous interval. For example, in the decade of your 20s, the 10 year risk is 1 in 1760. The risk rises to 1 in 229 in your 30s. Further, to 1 in 69 in your 40s and 1 in 42 in your 50s. In your 60s, the risk is 1 in 29 and in your 70s it is 1 in 27. Again, the lifetime estimated cumulative risk, (0 - 85 years), is 1 in 8. The peak incidence of breast cancer in a 2003 - 2007 study was 75 years of age.

The good news is that breast cancer death rate has fallen 38 percent since 1990 according to the 2014 data from the National Cancer Institute SEER database. This downward trend is credited to the increased use of screening mammography as organized since the early 1980s. This is further supported by new treatment and therapies. This means almost 275,000 breast cancer deaths have been averted since 1990. In 1990, 73.8 women per 100,000 died of breast cancer. This dropped to 45.9 per 100,000 in 2014.

Regular screening mammography can detect cancer early when it is most treatable and can be treated less invasively. This helps preserve quality of life.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Radiology, and Society of Breast Imaging, (physicians with expertise in breast cancer care), continue to recommend that women start getting annual mammograms and clinical breast exams at age 40 years, continuing as long as one is healthy.

What are some risk factors for breast cancer?

1. Being female. However, 2 percent of all breast cancers are in males.
2. Older age. Persons 65 - 69 years of age have 17 times the risk of those 30 - 34 years of age.
3. Those living in North America or Europe have 4 - 5 times the risk of those in Asia.
4. History of mother or sister with breast cancer raises risk 2 - 3 times.
5. Mammographically dense breasts, 2 - 4 times the risk.
6. Obesity, 2 times the risk.
7. Alcohol. 3 or more drinks per day increases risk 40 percent over non-drinkers.
8. Hormone replacement therapies - variable risks judged individually.
9. Additional risk factors can be addressed by regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and yearly mammography, where additional care and education can be obtained.

About the author

John Williams, MD, is a radiologist at Wes & Jan Houser Women’s Pavilion. Dr. Williams specializes in diagnostic radiology and has worked at Freeman Health System for more than 20 years. Wes & Jan Houser Women's Pavilion is accredited in breast MRI and designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). By awarding facilities the status of Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast ultrasound. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 417.347.7777. Visit freemanhealth.com/womenspavilion for more information.