There are many preventive actions you can take against breast cancer to ensure this potentially deadly disease does not get the best of you. Regular breast exams and mammograms, self-exams and taking the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Test are three important tools in protecting yourself against breast cancer. Other factors, such as avoiding a high-fat diet, alcohol, radiation exposure and environmental pollutants may also help fight against breast cancer. Talk to your health care provider or someone at the Breast Center about your individual risks and what you can do to minimize those risks.

The new Breast Center, located on the 1st floor of the hospital, is a safe, comfortable place to go for comprehensive breast health care and education. The center's hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. In addition, the Breast Center will now be open the third Tuesday of every month from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Most insurance plans cover breast cancer screenings. If you do not have insurance, you may qualify for the Breast and Cervical Health Program (BCHP). Through a grant from the State of Maine, the BCHP program provides free mammograms and pap smears if you meet the age and income criteria. The Women's Health Center is an approved site for this program. Please call the Women's Health Center at 288-8100 to determine if you qualify.

The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, now available at the Breast Center free of charge, can help a woman and her provider make informed decisions about breast cancer screenings and whether using a preventative drug, such as Tamoxifen, would be helpful. Knowing whether or not a woman has an increased risk for the disease can help tailor preventative health recommendations and can help relieve anxiety around breast cancer.

To learn more about how to protect yourself against breast cancer talk to your health care provider or call the Breast Center at 288-8435 or the Women's Health Center at 288-8100.

The Breast Center is always looking for volunteers to help answer phones and assist with clerical work at the Breast Center. If you are interested in working in a warm, friendly atmosphere and can relate well to women who may be uneasy about going through the process of breast cancer screenings, please contact the Breast Center to learn more about volunteer opportunities or e-mail crdev@mdihospital.org.