Public Relations of the Breast Cancer Site (BCS), Rosemary Jones, helps assist facilities with obtaining free mammograms to provide to women with low or no medical coverage.   The BCS was launched in October 2000.

            Jones said, ” The BCS provides funding for free mammograms for women in need, breast cancer research, and support for women struggling with the disease through such organizations as National Breast Cancer Foundation, Mayo Clinic (for research), Making Memories, Patient Access Network Foundation, and others.”

            When one visits the BCS, he or she can find a plethora of information and merchandise concerning breast cancer. Topics such as breast cancer news, real life stories and events can be found at the BCS site.

            Kelli Poe-Jones, manager of Rex Hospital Mammography Services, explains how the hospital celebrates NBCM by doing different activities.

            “At Rex Hospital we have Employee Mammography day, where we set aside the day to take care of employees in the hospital because we often take care of everyone but ourselves,” said Poe-Jones.

In order for women to properly be aware of what is going on with their bodies they must take all procedures to ensure that they stay in good health. Poe-Jones feels it is important for women to get mammograms and self check ups.

            “Any women over the age of 40, should get an annual mammogram and do a self breast exam often,” said Poe-Jones. In Rex Hospital Radiology Diagnostic Center, needle or stereotactic biopsy ultrasounds are given.

            Poe-Jones said,” If we see something abnormal or suspicious in the mammogram we will call the patient in for further examination.” The testing following the mammogram can either determine the tumor to be positive (malignant) or negative (benign). If the tumor is found positive the patient is referred to a doctor or a hospital.

            Other than just removing the cancerous breast tissue, most women have the entire breast or both removed. Tramflap is a common procedure for women to undergo immediately after the breast cancer surgery. Tramflap is when physicians take abdominal tissue and transfer it to the breast.

            “A lot of women choose to have a total removal of the breast,” said Poe-Jones. Several women have followed this method for many years after congress passed the Breast Cancer Patient Act of 2005. The act allows breast cancer patients to have an extensive health coverage, which in most cases results in women getting false implants in replace of the old.

          Sarah Lightman, Director of Communication for Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, holds fundraisers, fashion shows and a variety of charitable events to raise money for breast cancer. Along with raising money for breast cancer, Lightman feels women should do self breast exams until the age of 40 and then get mammograms at the of age 40.  

“Mammograms are extremely vital in detecting a potential tumor,” said Lightman, “Treatments have improved because researchers are constantly working to find new cures.”