October Benebytes
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotes regular screenings and early detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast and it's the second most common type of cancer in American women and men (1% of breast cancers occur in men).
Regular breast check-ups are the best way to detect breast cancer early and increase the chance of successful treatment and cure. Cancer survivors are alive today thanks to screening, detection, and treatment advances.
What can you do?
- Know your Risk - Familiarize yourself with your family history. If breast cancer runs in your family inform your doctor. Together you can create a personalized plan to monitor the signs.
- Get Screened - For those at average risk, have a yearly mammogram starting at age 40. If you have any signs of breast cancer, finding and treating it early may save your life.
- Know your Normal - It’s important to know what’s normal for you to talk with your doctor if something doesn’t look or feel right.
Helpful links:
Awareness of Breast Cancer in Men
It’s rare, but men can get breast cancer too. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help detect breast cancer early.
The signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men to watch out for include:
- a firm lump felt in the breast, often right under the nipple
- a lump in the armpit
- nipple pain
- nipple turning inward
- nipple discharge (clear or bloody)
- sores or a rash on the nipple and areola (the dark area around the nipple)
- changes to the breast skin, such as irritation, redness, dimpling, or puckering
- change in the size or shape of the breast
Be sure to see your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormal change in your breast, chest, or armpit.
This and more information can be found on Breastcancer.org
Services on the Market
If you are uninsured and are looking for low-cost breast exam services, here are a few resources that can assist you:
- List of Free/Low-Cost Mammograms
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
Rice does not endorse any of these providers.
The section below is for benefits-eligible employees:
Aetna Medical Plans
Did you know that the screening mammogram is considered a preventative service and therefore covered at 100% with your medical plan?
Take advantage of this great benefit and schedule a screening mammogram with your provider.
Regular breast check-ups are the best way to detect breast cancer early.
Teladoc Medical Experts
If you receive a medical diagnosis during your breast exam, with Teladoc Medical Experts you can access expert medical opinions and answers to medical questions from the leading physicians in their fields. This service is provided at no cost to employees and enrolled dependents.
They can help you or a family member:
- Get an Expert Medical Opinion - If you are unsure about a diagnosis or need help deciding on a treatment option.
- Find a Doctor - Help find a doctor specializing in your condition.
- Get Critical Case Support - Have been admitted into the hospital and want Medical Expert guidance.
- Ask the Expert - Have medical questions or concerns and want a leading expert advice.
- Use Mental Health Navigator - Guidance on a mental health condition or treatment that isn't improving.
For more information please visit BestDoctors.com or call (866) 904-0910.
Total Rewards Initiative
The Total Rewards Initiative, part of the HR Excellence Portfolio, is a strategic initiative positioning Rice as a premier employer, enabling the attraction, selection, and retention of excellent employees. This will be achieved by offering Rice employees a competitive and compelling total rewards package.
Please click here to view the dates Rice will host discussions on this topic.
New Hire Benefits Information Sessions
Rice University offers a wide range of benefits to all benefits-eligible employees. However, maneuvering and understanding all available options can sometimes be challenging. The Benefits Team now has new hire sessions every other Tuesday and Thursday to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please look at the link below to view the dates and times for these sessions. We highly encourage your new employees to register.
To register for this month's sessions, click here.
Thank you,
Your Benefits Team