By Dr . John Carroll , Radiology Associates www . radiologyassociatesimaging . com
FROM LEFT : Dr . Vashti F . Hellein , Mammography ; Dr . Jacqueline M . Bernard , Breast Imaging ; Jennifer Furry , Senior Center Manager ; Marcia Wilson , Director of Operations ; Diane Bartolino , Women ’ s Health Scheduling Specialist & Breast Cancer Survivor ; Yvette Smith , Marketing Representative
An Essential Force In The Fight Against Breast Cancer
Since 1985 , when the breast cancer awareness campaign was first launched , the month of October has seen pink ribbons appearing on everything from yogurt cups to sports jerseys - but to what effect ? Believe it or not , awareness is actually making a difference in breast cancer survival rates . Since the advent of routine screening efforts , breast cancer continues to be caught earlier than before and treated more effectively , lifting the five-year survival rate of localized breast cancer to nearly 100 %. And thanks to advances in breast imaging , biopsy and treatment , breast cancer deaths among women over age 50 have seen a significant decline since the campaign was implemented . That ’ s an amazing start .
Still , there ’ s work to be done . Breast cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer death in women , affecting one in eight , and we can ’ t stop promoting awareness until that changes . While certain lifestyle changes , such as limiting alcohol consumption , maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise - especially after menopause - can help reduce your risk , early detection remains the best way to beat breast cancer . When caught before it has a chance to spread , breast cancer can be treated most easily and successfully , with the best chance of preserving healthy breast tissue and the profile you know and love .
TIME IS YOUR FRIEND
Sure , you have a lot going on in your life - family , work , education , volunteerism , social commitments , and the list goes on . And the Covid-19 pandemic only added to the stressors , so who has time to get a mammogram ?
You do .
Invasive breast cancers tend to grow and spread quickly , so putting off routine screening until conditions
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