In doing our part to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Osceola Council on Aging will again host mammogram screenings for Osceola County seniors. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Council’s campus at 700 Generation Point in Kissimmee.
Sponsored by the Florida Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, patients will require an advanced appointment, reside within Osceola County, have proof of a local address and valid identification to qualify.
As in years past, mammogram screenings will be performed by MammoLink 3D Mobile Mammography’s medical providers, with the OCOA clinical team on hand to provide additional resources for patients who require further care.
Of the myriads of health-related observances and educational initiatives celebrated across the United States each year, it seems Breast Cancer Awareness Month attains the most notoriety. Not necessarily surprising seeing that the American Cancer Society reports breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for women in our country, followed by skin cancer. This statistic also constitutes about 30% of all new female cancers.
It is estimated a total of 390,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026. These statistics include more than 320,000 cases of invasive breast cancer and over 65,000 cases of noninvasive (in situ) breast cancer. In situ means an interpretation of a Stage 0 diagnosis, where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts or breast lobules and not spread to the surrounding breast tissue.
Breast cancer primarily occurs in middle-aged and older women. The median age for occurrence is around 62 years of age. Though an exceedingly small number of women diagnosed are younger than 45.
“Regular self-exams and mammogram screening are imperative to watch for changes in breast health and detect 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 health.”
For seniors, the MammoLink model is especially valuable in terms of coordination, convenience, innovative technology, and access to breast cancer detection. Its mobile units can visit community locations, senior centers, and homebased care locations, reducing the need for seniors to travel. The program is also designed to remove barriers such as long waits and/or complex and delayed scheduling. MammoLink utilizes state-of-the-art Hologic 3D tomosynthesis for advanced diagnostic imaging, along with AI-assisted scheduling.
Sadly, there are currently more than four million breast cancer survivors in the United States, including patients who are being treated for the disease. With that said, I am sure most who are reading this column know someone who has had breast cancer. Whether it be a sister, mother, or extended relative, friend, colleague, or extended family who have been impacted by this disease.
So, let this month be a reminder to schedule your annual mammogram as one of your primary initiatives for prevention.
We are proud to say this program is a team effort between the OCOA, the state of Florida, and several local, Osceola County physicians who are dedicated to helping local seniors, OCOA clients, and our community in general, access these vital screenings.
To schedule an appointment, call 844-546-5871, or go to https://www.mammolink.com/. The MammoLink website will also list additional breast cancer educational events and mobile mammogram opportunities in Central Florida throughout the year.
