October 2014

October is Breast Awareness Month Case Management is the second most common cancer in America. Support through treatment Most women and the few men who develop this disease have no and recovery family history, nor do they exhibit any detectable symptoms. Still, there are several important steps you can take that will significantly Our Case Management program can help you and your family deal reduce your breast cancer risk: with complex medical needs, including serious medical • M aintain a healthy weight conditions, extended hospital • Exercise regularly (at least four hours a week) stays, and organ or tissue transplants. • Get enough sleep

• Limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day Our knowledgeable, caring • Avoid exposure to carcinogens that can cause cancer, and professionals are here to assist excessive or unnecessary X-rays, CT scans and other imaging you through treatment and recovery, putting your health and studies quality of life first. They can help • If you are taking or considering hormone replacement therapy or coordinate your care, maximize oral contraceptives (birth control pills), ask your doctor about your covered benefits, and work the risks with you to create a customized care plan. • Breastfeed rather than bottle-feed when possible Case Management services Talk to your doctor for more ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer. are included in your insurance coverage with no extra fee.

What is Breast Cancer?

Tw o genes influence risk for breast cancer: BRCA1 and BRCA2. All The Capital BlueCross Case Management program is not intended to be a substitute for men and women have these genes. Normally, they help protect you services or advice received from your health care providers who are the only ones that can from getting cancer. But when one or both of these genes have a diagnose or treat your individual medical conditions. Capital BlueCross and its affiliated mutation, they can put you at risk for breast and ovarian cancer. companies believe this service to be useful for general information or support but do not assume any liability associated with its use. Without treatment, women with a BRCA gene mutation are seven Members can take advantage of these programs at no cost. Participation is completely voluntary times more likely than other women to get breast cancer and 30 and is based on your current enrollment and benefits. Your benefits will not be affected if you times more likely to get ovarian cancer before age 70. decide not to participate or if you withdraw from a program after you have enrolled.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in Recipe Row your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, you may be at higher risk for breast cancer and should discuss this with your doctor. If you are unsure of Hearty Cauliflower Salad your family history, consider genetic testing. Ingredients (serves 4): • 2 cups cauliflower florets Breast Lumps • 1 carrot, shredded • 2 scallion spears, chopped An easy way to screen for breast cancer is with a self-exam, feeling • 1 red onion, sliced for lumps. While detectable lumps in the breast can be symptoms of • 2 endives, cut breast cancer, many lumps are caused by other medical conditions, • 4 radishes, sliced • such as fibrocystic condition and breast cysts. 8 baby asparagus spears, steamed and cut

Fibrocystic condition causes noncancerous changes in the breast that For dressing: can make them lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are small, fluid-filled • 1 garlic clove, minced sacs that can develop in the breast and are usually benign. If you feel • 1 tbsp honey • 1-2 tbsp Dijon mustard anything, talk to your doctor so he or she can determine what is • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar causing the lump. • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp sugar • Screenings Salt and pepper

Screenings such as clinical breast exams and mammograms can Directions: detect breast cancer early, when it is more likely to be treatable. Toss all vegetables together. In a small bowl, combine all You spend so much time on the clock as mom, wife, daughter, ingredients for dressing and . This October, take a timeout to care for yourself. Call mix until smooth. Add to vegetables. Serve your physician to schedule your annual wellness exam and find out immediately. which breast cancer tests are right for you. Nutrition: Calories 270 | Fat 18 g | - Courtesy of CDC.gov Protein 3 g

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