As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, messaging from health officials is clear— women should be encouraged to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Florida. Although rare, men can also develop breast cancer. But, thanks to screening efforts that lead to earlier detection and improved treatment and outcomes, mortality rates have decreased by over 5% in the past 10 years.
The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County stresses that women aged 40-74 should schedule a mammogram every two years with their health care provider, or with DOH-Osceola if eligible for the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
At-risk women should schedule regular breast MRIs and mammograms every year. Risk factors include family history, genetics and breast density.
Outside of a doctor’s office, routine screening and self-breast exams are important to breast wellness. Being familiar with your breasts can help notice signs/symptoms such as lumps, discharge, or changes in size or nipple appearance. Those who notice any of those signs should contact their health care provider.
DOH-Osceola provides access to free or low-cost breast cancer screenings to women who are uninsured or underinsured, have a low income, and meet the program eligibility requirements. Mammograms can detect breast cancer in the early stages when it is easier to treat. To see if you qualify for these screenings, call 407-343-2068 or visit the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program webpage at https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/cancer/ breast-cancer/bccedp.html.
St. Cloud Hospital sponsors Breast Cancer Awareness pink wrap
Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital is sponsoring the pink wrapping of multiple St. Cloud Fire Rescue emergency vehicles for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“By wrapping these vehicles in pink, we’re sharing a powerful reminder that early detection saves lives,” said Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital President Brian Wetzel, president of. “Every time these vehicles are seen in our community, we hope it inspires someone to schedule their mammogram, perform a self-exam or remind a loved one to get screened.”
The vehicles feature the logo of Orlando Health Cancer Institute, which includes a facility within Orlando Health Medical Pavilion, which in 2026 will include a 3D mammogram, which will create detailed, layered images of breast tissue by taking multiple X-ray images from different angles.
Dr. Sara Ardila, breast surgical oncologist, recently joined Orlando Health Cancer Institute—St. Cloud and specializes in the evaluation and treatment of benign and malignant breast disease.
