Early detection of breast cancer can be lifesaving, experts say.
The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings for women age 40 and older to help diagnose cancer in its early stages for successful treatment.
Monthly breast self-exams should supplement an annual clinical exam and mammogram, the society recommends.
As part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance, Conemaugh Health System is offering free clinical exams at three locations.
The first clinic will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cancer Care Center in the Good Samaritan building at Memorial Medical Center’s main campus, 1086 Franklin St.
Physicians and other health-care professionals have volunteered to provide the physical examinations, checking for lumps and other symptoms of disease, said April Behory, Memorial’s director of women’s and children’s services.
Although most women know about the importance of an annual mammogram, many forget to include the physical exams, which also are part of the Cancer Society’s recommendations for early detection, Behory said.
“The screening is the first step for identifying a problem,” Behory said. “Many times, that piece is not being done.”
If caught early, tumors can be surgically removed with a lumpectomy procedure, preserving the breast. Surgeons usually check glands under the patient’s arm called lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread.
If it has not moved from the breast, a round of radiation therapy is often all that is needed, Dr. Gerard Garguilo said.
“If those (lymph nodes) are clear, we can tell the patient with almost 100 percent certainty they are cancer free,” Garguilo said.
Patients at Thursday’s clinic may schedule follow-up mammograms. Free vouchers will be available for qualified women with no insurance.
Breast Cancer
Conemaugh offering free breast exams
- Breast Cancer
-
-
‘We have all survived’: Cessna family copes with multiple diagnoses of breast cancer
When her daughter called last spring, it was bad news that Belva K. Mock hoped she would never receive again.
-
‘It has a special place in my heart’: Physician assistant leaves military hospital and joins breast cancer fight
After working for 10 years at premier military hospitals in major metropolitan areas, Heather Johnston is embracing the different world she has found as a physician assistant at Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center in Windber.
-
Breast cancer survivor discovers new lease and outlook on life
Now that she has survived breast cancer, Carrie Spinos of Richland Township wants to experience life more.
-
Cancer patient grateful for ‘exceptional medical care’
As Christmas of 2010 approached, all seemed well in Annette Hines-McFadden’s world.
-
Woman who faced breast cancer twice looks for silver lining
Three times, Rose (Murphy) Williams, 60, of Carrolltown had to give the love of her life bad news about cancer.
The first two times she had to tell her husband, Blaine, that she had breast cancer.
Then last year, she had to tell him he had esophageal cancer. -
‘I was lucky to find it early’: Mom discovers lump after losing daughter to cancer
Barely 18 months after her youngest daughter died from breast cancer, 76-year-old Patricia Barefoot discovered a lump on her own breast.
-
Angling for a cure: Indiana County woman finds fly-fishing program therapeutic
Dorothy Klyap of Indiana County is fishing for women just like her.
-
‘I have too much to live for’: Johnstown woman stresses importance of second opinions
Tammy Stuver is a person on the go who wasn’t about to let breast cancer keep her down for long.
-
Family, friends help cancer patient cope
Jean E. Andrews of Old Conemaugh Borough has lived in the Johnstown area all of her 58 years.
Andrews, a breast cancer survivor, said it was the long-term relationships she formed in her life that got her through her ordeal with cancer. -
‘Nobody could have been more shocked’
Donald C. Shaffer knew there was something wrong.
The changes he was noticing around his nipple were becoming more painful.
His family doctor had examined the hard lumps a few weeks earlier, but the pain was not going away.
That was in the spring of 2010. - More Breast Cancer Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
