October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 317,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2025. Sadly, there will be approximately 43,000 breast cancer deaths this year. Only lung cancer kills more women each year.
There is good news. The American Cancer Society reports that there are now more than 4 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. Many of those women are alive today thanks to early cancer detection through mammography.
“A screening mammogram can reduce the risk of breast cancer deaths by as much as 30 percent for women in their 40s and 50s,” said Ashtabula Regional Medical Center Oncologist Shinoj Pattali, MD. “Breast cancer diagnoses in younger women are increasing. National data show that incidence among women under 50 has been rising by about 1.4 percent per year since 2012, which is significantly faster than the rate in older women. This makes screening and awareness even more critical.”
Breast cancer rates vary across the region. Ashtabula County (111 per 100,000) and Trumbull County (115 per 100,000) have lower diagnosis rates than the Ohio state average of about 131 per 100,000 women. But nearby Lake County (142 per 100,000) and Geauga County (152 per 100,000) are higher than the state average. This shows why regular screening is especially important across our region.
Mammograms remain the gold standard for identifying cancerous breast tissue because they can detect the slightest changes long before a lump could be felt or symptoms appear. A screening mammogram uses X-rays to reveal potential tumors or calcium deposits, producing detailed images that can be compared year-to-year.
If a mammogram shows suspicious growth, your provider may order further imaging. A diagnostic mammogram takes additional views, while advanced 3D mammography compiles images from multiple angles to provide a clearer, more detailed picture. ARMC offers screening, diagnostic, and 3D mammograms, along with a full spectrum of women’s diagnostic services, including ultrasound and bone density testing.
There are many treatment options available at ARMC if cancer is detected. Surgery may be performed upfront (either lumpectomy or mastectomy) with removal of sentinel lymph nodes, or a patient may be referred for chemotherapy/hormonal therapy and/or radiation. Chemotherapy, which may also include immunotherapy, is administered in the ARMC Cancer & Infusion Center on the hospital campus.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and to encourage women to get this important screening, ARMC is offering a free tote bag to the first 500 women who complete the screening. A provider order is required to schedule a mammogram. To schedule a mammogram at ARMC, call 440-997-6590. ARMC offers mammograms Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with hours extended to 5 p.m. on Thursday.