Take Charge of Your Health During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/2/2025

POPLAR BLUFF, MO – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to focus on lifestyle and risk factors associated with breast cancer, as well as the importance of breast cancer screening. Mammogram screenings are the best way for women to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before there are symptoms. However, according to the CDC, at least 25% of women ages 50-74 have not been screened for breast cancer in the past two years.

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is scheduling mammography appointments throughout October and through the remainder of the year. For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk.

“The first step is for women to review the guidelines for breast cancer screening, and understand if there are any factors, such as a family history of breast cancer, that put them at higher risk,” said Regional Physician Services primary care provider Amy Pennington, FNP. “Whether starting at age 40 or earlier, a screening mammogram is one of the most important ways that women can take care of their health. The goal is to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages when it is easier to treat and before a tumor is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.”

Here in Missouri, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer – more than double the rate of lung cancer, the next most common cancer. Across the U.S., 279,731 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2022, the most recent year data is available.

Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 25 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. However, Pennington says many patients develop breast cancer without substantial risk factors, which is why mammograms are so important.

“About half of all breast cancer diagnoses occur in women with no risk factors other than being female and getting older," said Pennington. “That is why creating awareness and educating women about the benefits of mammography is critical. This is a disease that has a 99% survival rate if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body, which is why we urge all women to adhere to screening guidelines.”

Pennington added that certain lifestyle factors, like maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and limiting alcohol use, can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Most health insurance plans are required to cover screening mammograms every one to two years for women beginning at age 40 with no out-of-pocket cost (like a co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance).

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center now offers online scheduling. To schedule a mammogram online, please visit pbrmc.com/mammogram or call (573) 785-6610. Or, to find a primary care doctor, visit primarycareappointments.com/poplar-bluff.

To shine a light and provide education about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PBRMC is hosting events throughout October. Events include:

• Friday, October 17th, PBRMC will host our Mammos & Mocktails Health Seminar at the Holiday Inn from 12 to 1 p.m. Join our panel of experts to learn and ask questions about preventative screenings and more. Mammogram appointment scheduling will be on-site. This is a free educational event, where lunch will be provided. Registration is encouraged. For more information, visit PRRMC’s events page.
• Saturday, Oct. 18th, PBRMC is launching its inaugural Mammos & Mochas walk-in mammogram event at Bluff Imaging & Women’s Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find out if you're eligible by visiting PBRMC’s events page.
• During the month, PBRMC will be raising funds for the United Cancer Associated Network (UCAN). Donations can be made in the PBRMC cafeteria. Those who donate are eligible for a “pink-out” t-shirt (while supplies last) and can be picked up in the hospital cafeteria between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday to Friday.

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