Breast cancer is a dangerous disease, with more than 1,300 women expected to be diagnosed in West Virginia in 2012. Although mortality rates are decreasing, an estimated 294 West Virginia women will still die from the disease this year. As the fight against breast cancer continues, West Virginia communities are coming together to spread the word about prevention and early detection.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and West Virginia is recognizing this special month with a variety of activities. Monday, October 1, 2012 marks the eighteenth annual West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day. On this day and throughout the month of October, hundreds of West Virginians will demonstrate their commitment to fight the disease that has claimed the lives of so many women.
Locally, the Berkeley County Council will proclaim October as National Breast Cancer Awareness at their meeting on Thursday, October 4. Representatives from West Virginia University Hospitals-East and the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program will be in attendance.
In an effort to focus on prevention, West Virginia University Hospitals-East is also offering discounted mammogram clinics each Saturday in October at both City Hospital in Martinsburg and Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Ranson. The discounted fee for the screening mammogram and interpretation is $60 (no insurance accepted – cash, credit card or check only).
The screening mammograms are open to women 35 and older and a physician’s order is not required. Patients without a physician will be assigned one to receive the test results. For more information or to register, call City Hospital at 304.264.1297 or Jefferson Memorial Hospital at 304.724.5647. All patients receiving a mammogram at both WVUH-East hospitals in October will receive a small gift in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Currently, the best method to reduce deaths due to breast cancer is through early detection. The American Cancer Society recommends a yearly mammogram for women starting at the age of 40. Clinical breast exams and breast self-exams are recommended for women in their 20s and 30s. Women should talk to their health care provider about their individual screening schedule.
For more information, call the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (WVBCCSP) at 1.800.642.8522 or the American Cancer Society at 1.800.4.CANCER, or speak to your health care provider.
