Of all the educational observances, it seems Breast Cancer Awareness Month gets more love than most.
There is an exceptionally good reason for this. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) breast cancer is the most common cancer in women across the country. Breast cancer diagnoses accounts for 1 in 3 of all new female cancer cases.
I would guess most reading this column either have known someone who has been diagnosed or have been themselves. I have had multiple friends and colleagues also diagnosed. One, who has been a friend for 35 years, was diagnosed at age 41. She saw an opportunity to create a protective product for mastectomy patients to shower in, as she was resigned to showering in a trash bag for more than a year, during treatment.
Subsequently, she invented The SHOWER SHIRT, a patented Class 1 Medical Device which is now shipped all over the world to enable breast cancer patients to shower after surgery. Luckily, my friend’s breast cancer was caught early due to a simple mammogram screening.
Another friend and employee of the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) was also recently diagnosed.
“Timing is everything. It is important to make those annual mammogram appointments and keep them,’ said Awilda Donato, OCOA Case Management Director. “After diagnoses, I was told another six months could have made a significant difference in my outcome. My doctor (who requested mammograms) saved my life.”
Other OCOA employees who have gone through breast cancer had additional comments.
“I fought breast cancer like I was the third elephant trying to get on Noah’s Ark and it just started raining. Regular exams and early detection are key to saving lives,” added Kori Blowers, OCOA, VP of Operations.
“Scheduling and keeping appointments are what caught my breast cancer early. My faith in God, family, and friends, gave me the courage to fight the disease,” said Sonia Gonzalez, OCOA, Senior Dining Site Coordinator.
As we all know, and as demonstrated by both friends and colleagues, detecting breast cancer early, and securing timely treatments are two of the most important steps to prevent death from this disease.
According to the ACS, women of average risk for breast cancer include those without a personal history of the disease, no family history, no genetic mutation, and no chest radiation therapy before the age 30.
Mammogram screening guidelines for that patient population include: Women between the age of 40 and 44 have the option to begin screenings each year.
Women 45 to 54 should attain a mammogram every year.
Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or choose to continue yearly.
Guidelines for women considered to be of higher risk include a family history of breast cancer and genetic mutations, exposure to chemicals, and even age.
As with all diagnostic and health related examinations and medical tests, the Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) tries to do our part in supporting those in the community who are uninsured, underinsured, or do not have Medicare or access to traditional healthcare. Our Health Clinic collaborates with volunteer medical professionals and providers to deliver clinical services, education, specialist referrals, and case management. Breast related needs, testing, services, and screenings are no different.
Through an arrangement with the Florida Department of Health, and the Osceola County Health Department, the OCOA will host a mobile mammogram screening event through Mammolink on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The mobile unit will be on the Council on Aging’s campus, 700 Generation Point, in Kissimmee. To schedule a mammogram screening appointment, go to www.3dmobilemammography.com.
