Jackson College has partnered with Henry Ford Jackson Hospital to offer Jackson College students and employees medical care evaluation and treatment from the clinic’s caring staff. A licensed nurse practitioner and technical staff will be in the office to see patients, make diagnosis and assessment, prescribe medications or make referrals. |
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HEALTH CLINIC HOURS
Monday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (virtual care only)
Call 517.990.1374 to make an appointment. |
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The month of October is about much more than pink ribbons. October is the month dedicated to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote screening, share vital information and celebrate the resilience of those impacted.
Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells form and grow uncontrollably in the tissue of the breast (National Cancer Institute (NCI), 2024). Breast cancer accounts for 30 percent of all new female cancers each year (American Cancer Society (ACS), 2024). Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, but with early detection and advances in treatment options, survival rates have improved significantly. |
The following are known risk factors for the development of breast cancer: |
| • | | Being overweight or obese |
| • | | Drinking alcohol |
| • | | Smoking |
| • | | Not exercising regularly |
| • | | Increasing age |
| • | | Family history |
| • | | Genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) |
| • | | Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy |
| • | | Reproductive history (never giving birth, being older at age of first child, never breast feeding, starting menopause at later age) |
| • | | Dense breasts |
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(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2024). |
Some people might not have any signs or symptoms at all of breast cancer, that is why screening is so important! For those that have symptoms, they may include but are not limited to the following: |
| • | | Irritation or dimpling of the breast skin |
| • | | Thickening or swelling of part of the breast |
| • | | New lump in the breast or armpit |
| • | | Breast pain |
| • | | Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood |
| • | | Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast |
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Prevention is the key to lowering your risk of developing breast cancer. Avoid smoking, limit your alcohol intake, control your weight and get regular exercise. By living a healthy lifestyle, you are ultimately reducing your risk of not only breast cancer but all cancers.
Screening for breast cancer can take place in a medical office, clinic or even at your own home. The following are screening tools used to detect breast cancer: |
| • | | Breast Self-Exam (BSE) - A BSE is when you examine your own breast and underarms to check for lumps and changes (CDC, 2024). Women who choose to perform BSE should receive careful instruction on how to perform this exam and understand that BSE is an adjunct but not a substitute for screening mammography (Elmore, J., & Lee, C., 2024). |
| • | | Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) - A CBE is when a health care provider performs a breast exam manually to check for lumps or other changes in your breast (CDC, 2024). |
| • | | Mammogram - A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast (ACS, 2024). A mammogram is the best method to detect breast cancer early (CDC, 2024). See screening mammogram recommendations on chart below. |
| • | | MRI - If a woman has a strong family history of breast cancer or a genetic tendency they should be screened with MRI in addition to mammogram. The number of women who fall into this category is very small, therefore talk with your health care provider to see whether you should have this type of additional testing done. |
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Mammogram screening guidelines vary slightly depending on the organization. In general, most screenings are recommended to start by age 40, and end at age 75. Screening should be discussed with your healthcare provider to determine your risk factors, and the age at which you should start screening. Below is a chart of guild lines from both the American Cancer Society and CDC. The U.S Preventive Task Force changed their guild lines in April of 2024 to screenings starting at the age of 40 every other year. |
For more information on breast cancer, including support services and educational materials, visit the following resources: |
When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99 percent (ACS, 2024). Therefore, it is imperative to perform those BSE exams and schedule regular mammograms to increase your chances of early detection.
This October, wear the pink, know your risk, raise awareness, educate and support those who have battled breast cancer.
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