Of the multiple healthrelated observances celebrated across the United States throughout the year, it seems Breast Cancer Awareness Month attains the most notoriety. Not surprising, since nearly 320,000 cases of (316,000 women and 2,800 men) are diagnosed annually in the United States. That number includes new cases of ‘primary’ breast cancer diagnoses but does not include recurrences or non-invasive forms of breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society reports breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for women in this country, next to skin cancer. This number also constitutes about 30% of all new female cancers. The ACS also projects that nearly 60,000 new cases of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed this year, and more than 40,000 women will die from the disease.
Breast cancer primarily occurs in middle-aged and older women. The median age for occurrence is around 62 years. Though an exceedingly small number of women diagnosed with breast cancer are younger than 45.
In doing our part to support Breast Cancer Awareness education and prevention, the Osceola Council on Aging will host a mammogram screening event on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the OCOA campus (700 Generation Point in Kissimmee).
Performed by Mammolink 3D Mobile Mammography’s medical team and sponsored by the Florida Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the OCOA clinical team will be on hand to provide clinical guidance, and resources for patients who require further care.
For uninsured OCOA Health Clinic patients, the cost of screenings will be covered through the early detection program, where vouchers will be processed from applications, and screenings scheduled. Eligibility for the voucher program includes being at least 40 years of age, a resident of Florida, no health insurance, and applicable income requirements. Interested patients can contact the OCOA Health Clinic at 407-483-0021, extension 1261, or 1294, for additional criteria.
The Mammolink mobile unit also accepts patients with health insurance. For those who wish to register directly for a screening go to https://www.3dmobilemammography.com/#section-upcoming-loc.
“Regular self-exams and mammograms are imperative to catch breast cancer early,” said Nicole Santiago, RN, BSN, OCOA Health Clinic director. “Screenings are more than a test, but rather a safeguard for your future and a way to give peace of mind to your loved ones.”
We are proud to say this program is a team effort between the OCOA, the state of Florida, and local physicians who are dedicated to helping patients access vital screenings. We are thrilled to have community physicians and clinical providers referring Osceola residents for this upcoming screening program.
In closing, there are currently more than four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. alone, including patients who are still being treated for the disease. With that said, I am sure most who are reading this have had a sister, mother, extended relative, friend, colleague or simply know of someone who has been impacted by this disease. So, let us keep those breast cancer survivor numbers climbing and take action to attain that annual mammogram as one of your primary initiatives for prevention.
