Friends for Life is a program to promote breast care awareness and health. Live 5 News and Trident Health will send you a simple reminder to do a breast self-exam on the 5th of every month.
Find a friend -- a family member, co-worker or friend.
On the 5th of each month, call, text or email your friend and remind each other to do a breast self-exam.
By clicking here and signing up for reminders, Live 5 News and Trident Health will send you an email and/or text message reminder on the 5th of every month to complete your self exam.
In the event that you find a lump, call your doctor.
Ladies, let’s be honest. Going for a mammogram isn’t one of our favorite activities. But it’s actually not as bad as it used to be, and the recently remodeled Trident Breast Care Center has taken extra steps to make it as comfortable and convenient as possible. With aromatherapy, private lockers and a gourmet coffee station for patients, your appointment might feel more like a spa visit. Plus, patients usually receive their results the same day, so they don't have the extra worry of a waiting period.
Keep an open mind. Trident Breast Care Center does only digital mammograms, which provide more clarity than analog mammograms and are considered more comfortable, too. “A lot of people are pleasantly surprised and say, ‘Oh that wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Everyone told me to expect the worst.’”
Don’t put it off. It’s easy for life to get in the way, but routine can help catch breast cancer in its early stages. “The American Cancer Society recommends one mammogram a year, starting at age 40, and there is not recommended stopping point.” Women with risk factors may start annual screenings earlier, or possibly have a baseline done at age 35. At Trident Breast Care Center, a typical mammogram takes about 30 minutes, and often can be scheduled within a week, or even that same day. If you find yourself nearby with some downtime, you are welcome to drop-in if you don’t mind the possibility of waiting a few extra minutes.
Be prepared. For comfort, you might avoid visiting the week before your period, when your breasts may be more sensitive than other times of the month. When you do visit, wear a two-piece outfit for ease, and don’t put on any deodorant, powder, lotion or perfumes on your breasts or under your arms. They can interfere with pictures and cause an otherwise unnecessary return visit. Finally, don’t forget to bring along related medical information, including details about women in your family who have had breast cancer.
If you don’t have insurance, know help is available. South Carolina has one of the highest rates of uninsured women in the country. The state’s Best Chance Network (BCN) provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who are uninsured, between the ages of 47 and 64 and meet certain income guidelines. If you or someone you know may qualify for breast and cervical cancer screening through this program, please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 and ask about the Best Chance Network.
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2126 Charlie Hall Boulevard 
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