In 2017, about 40,610 women in the US are expected to die from breast cancer, though - due to treatment advances, earlier detection and increased awareness - death rates have been decreasing
Over the course of two days, State Senator Kevin Parker hosted the 4th Annual Mammography Clinic at Brookdale Hospital and Medical Center. Parker co-sponsored the event in conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc..
During the two-day clinic over 100 women from the community used the opportunity to receive mammograms. Women without health insurance were able to receive their exam at no cost. Both Well Care and Brookdale Hospital provided gift bags filled with information and toiletries for everyone in attendance.
"During Breast Cancer Awareness Month it is important that we work together with community partners to bring awareness and resources to the women in our community," said Senator Kevin Parker. "Accessibility is always the number one concern for me when providing services to residents."
According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women; only lung cancer kills more women each year. In 2017, an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women; about 40,610 women in the U.S. are expected to die from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1989. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening and increased awareness.
For women at normal risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends annual screenings for women 45-54 and screenings every other year after 55. Those with a higher risk of breast cancer — such as women with gene mutations — should be scanned annually.
"Early detection is the best form of prevention," concluded Parker.
