The babies born in October at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay have been receiving pink blankets as a way to increase breast cancer awareness.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 5,120 women in Wisconsin will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. In addition to promoting Breast Cancer Awareness month, the pink blankets are also a way to encourage and remind women to get their mammograms.
“Early detection saves lives, so please get your mammograms,” said Dr. Colette Salm-Schmid, breast surgeon at Prevea Health, a physician partner group of HSHS hospitals in Wisconsin. “You can be assured that amidst this pandemic we are all facing, that we have taken every step possible to ensure your health and safety while in our care, and we are here and ready to care for your breast health. Make October the month you remember your mammogram.”
All women should talk with their health care provider about the appropriate timing for screening mammograms, especially women who are age 40 or at high-risk. A mammogram schedule will be based upon an individual’s health. At age 40, any woman may wish to begin regular screening mammograms. By age 45, women should have a screening mammogram and continue to have one at least every other year.
