Polk County adopts new breast cancer screening guidance

• Breast cancer is estimated to make up the most of any other type: more than 2,900 cases, per the Iowa Cancer Registry.

Zoom in: The awareness process, often called "Know Your Normal," has been recommended by groups like Susan G. Komen for years. It means flagging any abnormal physical change — or new persistent pain — to your doctor.

• PCHD has been gradually transitioning to the guidance, spokesperson Addie Olson tells Axios.
• It also recently partnered with Raygun to offer Know Your Normal shirts to help spread the message, with proceeds going toward free cancer screenings.

What they're saying: Self-exams are still great, but PCHD doesn't want people to think there is just one process to be aware of and risk missing other abnormalities, Olson says.

State of play: Free breast cancer screenings are available through PCHD's Ribbons of Hope program to locals who are uninsured or underinsured.