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Cancer Support Group Updates on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Downeast Living with Cancer Conference
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, after skin cancer. According to the Maine Chapter of the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 1,280 Maine women will be diagnosed with the disease in 2011, and 170 will die. Monthly breast self exams are crucial for women to become more familiar with changes in their breasts.
Penobscot Valley Hospital Director of Imaging and Radiology, Heather Hines suggests, “If you’re over the age of 40, you should obtain yearly mammography screenings in addition to conducting monthly self exams.”
The ACS also reports that a recent survey of women in the U.S. showed that close to 50% did not get a mammogram in the past year. Since early detection is the best predictor of living after breast cancer, this is one statistic that must be changed. The Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program will help pay for mammograms for those women who might not otherwise be able to afford them. For more information on this program, call the PVH Imaging Department at (207) 794-7118 or the Maine Breast & Cervical Health Program at (800) 350-5180.
Hines is elated to add that later this fall, Penobscot Valley Hospital will be adding a new digital mammography machine to their Imaging Department. Some advantages of digital mammography include:
- electronic images
- less radiation exposure
- improved storage and transmission of images
- enhanced images with greater software interpretation.
If you are a female over 40 and haven’t had your mammogram this year, call PVH today to schedule your appointment at (207) 794-7270. During October, be sure to wear your pink ribbons in support of those you love who have been diagnosed with breast cancer!
Save the date for the Downeast Living With Cancer Conference (LWCC) sponsored by the American Cancer Society. This is free for those who have been diagnosed with cancer at any time in their lives, with a $10 charge for lunch. Family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals can attend for a total of $30. This year’s LWCC will be held at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center on Friday, Nov 4th from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. This is a great, day-long conference with a variety of informative workshops and resource exhibits. The topic this year is Survivorship: A New Season for You. The keynote speaker is survivor Pat Grosser, who coaches Life After Cancer groups and has written the booklet 75 Tips for Getting Unstuck After Cancer. To register, call the ACS at 1-800-227-2345, or look online at www.cancer.org/lwcc in mid-October.
In Lincoln, the PVH Cancer Support Group continues to be very well attended on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month in Conference Room B at the hospital. If you are a survivor or caregiver, please show up at 6 pm to join us with your questions and concerns. And remember, the American Cancer Society defines ANYONE who has been diagnosed with cancer as a survivor. Additionally, the support line at PVH is up and running. If you call (207) 794-7149 and leave a message, a support group member will get back to you and help you find the resources you need. For more information about the PVH Cancer Support Group, call Bill Head, PA-C at (207) 794-3321. |
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