JOHNSTOWN —
Women in Indiana and Somerset counties don’t have to travel far for breast cancer screenings or treatment.
Both Somerset Hospital and Indiana Regional Medical Center introduced digital mammography last year, enhancing the cancer programs already in place.
Somerset Hospital coordinates with surgeons in Windber, Johnstown and other nearby locations to follow up on suspicious mammograms, spokesman Greg Chiappelli said.
Following surgery, Somerset area patients can choose medical and radiation oncology services close to home at Somerset Oncology Center of West Penn Allegheny Health System.
Indiana Regional Medical Center strives to offer seamless care from screening through surgery and oncology therapy, nurse navigator Susan Majoris said.
“It’s my job to work with the ladies and get them scheduled right away with the care they need,” Majoris said.
Screening mammograms are available at the main hospital and at Chestnut Ridge, Northern Cambria, Marion Center and Seward clinics.
If a mammogram shows a new lesion or changes in an area of the breast, Indiana’s radiologists can follow up with additional views from the mammography or ultrasound technology available.
If cancer seems likely, Indiana’s surgeons or radiologists select from several options to remove a specimen of tissue for further analysis. The surgeons can follow up with a lumpectomy or mastectomy, Majoris said.
Sometimes a round of chemotherapy is ordered before surgery in order to shrink the tumor, reducing the scope of surgery.
Majoris works with surgeons, radiologists and oncologists as part of a care team to plan each patient’s treatment. Often, the patient’s family doctor participates in the planning.
The patient is apprised of all the options, she added.
“(Patients) know the whole team,” Majoris said. “They know everyone who is going to talk to them. They have a good understanding of what they might be going through.”
There are four support groups available through Indiana, including a group at the Chesnut Ridge clinic outside Blairsville.
For those facing side effects from therapy, Indiana hosts Birdie’s Closet, a resource center with wigs, cosmetics, prosthetics, lymphedema supplies and other items, along with support and counseling help.
When cancer progresses, Indiana’s palliative care professionals help families make tough decisions about reducing suffering in gravely ill patients. Counseling is available throughout the process, Majoris said.
Finances should be the least of a cancer patient’s worries.
“My job is to make sure these ladies have the resources they need, including money,” Majoris said. “Everyone on the team can help.”
Breast Cancer
Screenings available in Indiana, Somerset
- Breast Cancer
-
-
Mammograms save lives, but have weakness
Breast cancer screening for women over 50 saves lives, an independent panel in Britain has concluded, confirming findings in U.S. and other studies.
But that screening comes with a cost: The review found that for every life saved, roughly three other women were overdiagnosed, meaning they were unnecessarily treated for a cancer that would never have threatened their lives. -
Bout with breast cancer changes priorities for Portage survivor
Too many people live their lives and never stop to appreciate the simple things – a bonus summer day during a non-summer season, a tiny little hand resting in the grip of adult fingers, or the sweet sound of laughter from family and friends.
-
‘It was a miracle’: Woman credits God when cancer discovered during unrelated test
Erma and Joe Cogan were ready to embrace their retirement in 2010.
The West Providence Township couple had purchased a camper and headed out on a three-month tour of the country. -
Love of family fuels mom’s fight
There was no place in Roxane Hogue’s life for cancer. As a wife, mother of four and career woman, she didn’t have time to engage in a battle against the life-threatening disease. But when her doctor told her she had breast cancer, time stopped.
-
Friends fight cancer together
Two longtime friends in Wilmore shared much throughout their lives, including battles with breast cancer.
-
Celebrating life: Event pays tribute to breast-cancer survivors
When Roxane Hogue learned she had breast cancer in November, she kept the news a secret.
Fearing talk would put undue stress on her four children, Hogue decided she’d rather fight it silently. -
Teacher vigilant after genetics lesson: Breast cancer can strike any family member
Teacher Marie Olshefski learned that heredity plays a major role in breast cancer prevention and detection.
-
Faith got woman through ordeal
The ache in Cathy Fleegle’s breast didn’t worry her much at first.
Sure, she thought about cancer. At 56, she’d had seven or eight biopsies and knew the risks. But she’d heard people say that cancer didn’t hurt, so she decided it must be something else. -
Survivor turns to inner strength
As a makeup artist and beautician, Melissa Lovejoy of Indiana enjoys helping women look their best.
But when breast cancer and its subsequent treatments left her bald, she didn’t much care. -
Annual screenings urged
Women in rural areas of Cambria and Somerset counties can get their annual mammograms close to home, and be confident they will have the latest technology read by experts in a premier radiology organization.
- More Breast Cancer Headlines
-
Mammograms save lives, but have weakness
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
