Atlantic Health System ’ s # AskHer Campaign Returns for its Sixth Year
Amammogram is the single most important thing womencan do for early detectionofbreast cancer . For the pastsix years , Atlantic Health System has promoted its # AskHer campaign to increaseawareness of the importance of breastcancer screenings andtoencourage womeninour community to schedule their annualmammograms . It ’ s acall to action for allofustohave this important conversation with the women in our lives .
LydiaNadeau , executive director of AtlanticHealth SystemCancer Care explained , “ Our moms , our
Lisa Bash , MD , is medical director of The Breast Center at Atlantic Health System ’ s Chilton Medical Center .
friends and our colleagues arereally important to us and we ask them alot of questions . Are you comingtothe meeting today ? Did you make my dinner ? Mom , have youdoneall thesethings for us ? But we reallynever bring intothe conversation the question : didyou have your mammogram this year ? We need to say , you ’ rereally important to me , Ilove you so much , and this is something that I want us to talk about .”
According to the National Cancer Institute ( NCI ), only 5to10 % of breast cancer is hereditary , which means that most womenwho get breast cancer havenofamily history . Breastcancer risk increases with age , and the greatest risks for breastcancer are being awoman and getting older . However , when caught in itsearliest stage , breast cancer has asurvival rate of 99 %.
Lisa Bash , MD , medical director of The Breast
Center at Atlantic Health System ’ s Chilton Medical Center , said that mammograms are key to screening for breast cancer . Mammograms can detect breast cancer at its earliest stages , before women feel alump , and when it is most treatable . The mortality from breast cancer has decreased by 30 % since the start of screening mammography in the 1990s . Getting ascreening mammogram annually is a straightforward , safe and inexpensive way for women to be active in their breast health . Early detection translates to better outcomes and ultimately saves lives , so women should schedule amammogram every year .
Screenings and COVID-19
It is vitalfor women to schedule their annual mammograms , even during the pandemic . Earlydetectionand diagnosis are important for effectivetreatment . Dr . Bash emphasized , “ Delaying a diagnosis of breast cancer can affect the stage at whichyou present . Women who presentatanearlier stage have better lessinvasive treatment options , and better outcomes .”
Nadeau explained that Atlantic Health System follows stringent safety protocols to keep patients andcaregivers safe . Any surfacethat apatient comes in contact within the waiting room orthe registration area is regularly and activelycleaned . Patients are socially distanced . Masks are required . She also noted that AtlanticHealth System is trying to do as muchonline with patients as possibletoshorten the time of their visitsinits breast centers . It is safe to come into our facilities and , this year , it is as important as ever to make an appointment and to encouragethoseyou love to schedule amammogram .
Scheduling is easy
Atlantic Health Systemis making it even easier for women to schedule a screening mammogram by offeringonlineappointments at atlantichealth . org / askher or by calling 1-844-343-3540 .
To learnmoreabout the # AskHer campaign , visit atlantichealth . org / askher .
SUPPLEMENT TO WAYNE MAGAZINE