Published on November 28, 2011
Community Supports Women's Health
This year 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed and 39,520 women will die from breast cancer according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for American women with the exception of skin cancer. Early detection is key in the fight against cancer.
Mercer County Hospital and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation partnered to educate women in Mercer County how to take charge of their health through preventative screenings, such as mammograms, which can save their life. Through a grant from the Komen Foundation, Mercer County Hospital launched an educational direct mailing campaign to provide life saving information directly to women's homes. Weekly advertisements were published in the Times Record along with a patient story and radio announcements ran on WRMJ radio station. Signs were placed throughout Aledo and breast cancer awareness pins were distributed to participating businesses to show support for women's health.
"We wanted to provide an opportunity for the community to show support for women's health by wearing a pink breast cancer awareness pin during the month of October. We appreciate all of the businesses who agreed to help us make a difference in women's lives," said Julie Weeks, Radiology Manager.
Several businesses participated in the program including: Country Bank, Farmers State Bank, General Grind, Mercer County Hospital, Mercer Market, Midwest Bank, Salon on 2nd, and THE National Bank.
Why are mammograms important?
A mammogram is a screening used to detect cancers before symptoms occur. Breast cancers that are found through self examination tend to be larger tumors and may have spread outside the breast, but breast cancer found in a screening exam, like a mammogram, tend to be smaller tumors and still confined to the breast. The size of the breast cancer and how far it has spread through the body are important factors in determining a woman's prognosis.
The American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recommended screening guidelines referred to as a 3-step approach to early detection of breast cancer.
Monthly performance of breast self-examination (BSE). Becoming familiar with the look and feel of your breasts will help determine what is normal for you and help you recognize a change.
Clinical breast examination (CBE) by a healthcare provider at least every 3 years beginning at age 20 and annually after age 40.
Annual screening mammogram beginning at age 40. Women under age 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about personal risk should consult with a health care provider about individual risk assessment and when to begin mammography.
Following this guideline will help women take an active role in their health. Early detection and treatment offer the best chance of surviving breast cancer. When breast cancer is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is over 95%.
To learn about how you can take charge of your health, contact Mercer County Hospital at (309) 582-5301.
