Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity for employers to share practical, reliable health information with their teams. By helping employees understand breast cancer screening and warning signs, workplace leaders can encourage preventive care and support earlier detection.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. When it is found early, it may be easier to treat and more likely to have better outcomes.
Mammograms help detect breast cancer early
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that creates images of the breast. Screening mammograms are used for people who do not have signs or symptoms, and they can identify breast cancer before a lump can be felt or other symptoms develop.
For people at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammograms every other year from ages 40 through 74. Recommendations may differ based on personal and family history, genetic factors, breast density and other risk factors. Employees should talk with a health care professional about the screening schedule that is right for them.
People with a higher-than-average risk may need to begin screening earlier or receive additional imaging, such as a breast MRI, along with mammography. A health care professional can help determine whether genetic counseling, additional testing or a personalized screening plan may be appropriate.
Encourage employees to know what is normal for them
Routine screening is important, but employees should also pay attention to changes in how their breasts normally look and feel. Breast self-awareness is not a replacement for mammograms, and many breast changes are not caused by cancer. However, new or unusual changes should be discussed with a health care professional.
Possible warning signs include:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- Thickening or swelling in part of the breast
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling, puckering, redness or irritation of the skin
- Flaky or scaly skin around the nipple or breast
- A nipple that turns inward or changes direction
- Nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody or unrelated to breastfeeding
- Persistent pain in a specific area of the breast
Encourage employees not to wait until their next routine mammogram if they notice a concerning change. These symptoms can have many causes, but they should be evaluated promptly.
Help reduce anxiety about follow-up testing
An abnormal screening mammogram does not necessarily mean that cancer is present. Additional evaluation may include more detailed mammogram images, a breast ultrasound or, in some cases, an MRI. If an area remains concerning, a health care professional may recommend a biopsy to examine a small tissue sample for cancer cells.
Follow-up testing can be stressful, but it is an important step in understanding what the imaging shows. Many abnormal findings turn out to be benign. Employers can support employees by sharing accurate information, respecting privacy and encouraging them to follow up with their health care team.
How employers can support breast health
Workplace leaders can help make preventive care easier to prioritize by:
- Sharing trusted information about mammograms and breast cancer warning signs
- Including screening reminders in employee newsletters or wellness communications
- Encouraging employees to schedule preventive care
- Promoting available health benefits and screening resources
- Supporting reasonable flexibility for medical appointments
- Respecting employees’ privacy when discussing health care
Through Ascension Employer Solutions, Ascension Wisconsin partners with employers to provide personalized health care options, including access to preventive care and health screenings based on employees’ needs.
Encourage employees to take the next step
Employer-sponsored mammogram events
Demonstrate your commitment to employee wellness through an event. It signals a strong commitment to your employees’ health, which can boost morale and retention. Facilitating early detection potentially lowers overall costs associated with late-stage cancer treatment for your insured population.
Event details include:
- Offered to those eligible in the organization (typically those 40+)
- Billed directly to insurance; NO COST to you or participants
- Specific days/times held at our imaging locations dedicated to your population
- Easy scheduling through a QR code
- Reporting on total participation and follow up
- Collaborate on marketing material to promote events to population
Learn more
Contact Ascension Wisconsin Employer Solutions at [email protected] to learn more about scheduling an employer-dedicated mammography event for your population. Promoting good health and preventive care for your population can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives.
Taking action may be as simple as checking when an employee is due for a mammogram, asking about family history or scheduling an appointment to discuss a breast change. If cost, transportation or insurance coverage is a concern, employees can ask their health care professional about community resources and low-cost screening programs.
Ascension Wisconsin is proud to have two state-of-the-art cancer centers serving the Fox Valley Area: the Ascension NE Wisconsin – Mercy Campus Michael D. Wachtel Cancer Center in Oshkosh and the Ascension NE Wisconsin – St. Elizabeth Cancer Center in Appleton.
Share this information with your employees and encourage them to talk with a health care professional about breast cancer screening and any changes they notice.