WEST CHESTER, PA — In a collaborative effort to enhance the accessibility of breast cancer screening services, State Senator Carolyn Comitta and State Representative Danielle Friel Otten have joined forces with Fox Chase Cancer Center. Together, they will bring mobile mammography screenings to Downingtown Library on Thursday, May 2, aiming to make early detection more convenient for women in the community.
Breast cancer remains a prevalent concern, with approximately 1 in 8 women developing the disease in their lifetime. It ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death among women. However, the prognosis significantly improves with early detection. “Since many women do not experience symptoms at the onset of breast cancer, early detection is critical to saving lives,” Senator Comitta emphasized. The initiative seeks to encourage more women to undergo annual mammograms, a crucial step that has been shown to increase the 5-year survival rate to 99% when breast cancer is identified early and localized.
The importance of routine mammography cannot be overstated. Since becoming a standard health recommendation over three decades ago, mammograms have contributed to a 20-30% decrease in breast cancer-related deaths. This statistic underscores the vital role that such screenings play in public health, particularly in diagnosing cancer at stages when treatment can be most effective and least invasive.
Representative Otten highlighted the significance of Women’s Health Month as an opportune moment to prioritize personal health care decisions. “An annual mammogram screening remains one of the easiest steps women age 40 and above can take to prioritize their health and detect breast cancer as early as possible,” Otten stated. She views the upcoming event as a powerful tool for empowering women to take charge of their health and inspire others to do the same.
The mobile mammography event at Downingtown Library is designed to lower barriers to access, making it easier for women, especially those 40 years and older, to receive screenings. Appointments are necessary, and participants must have a prescription from a physician to partake in the screenings. This proactive approach aims to ensure that more women in the Downingtown area can benefit from potentially life-saving mammograms without the inconvenience or challenges that might otherwise deter them from getting screened.
As healthcare professionals and advocates continue to stress the importance of regular breast cancer screenings, initiatives like the one at Downingtown Library play a crucial role in community health. By bringing these essential services directly to where people live and gather, Senator Comitta, Representative Otten, and Fox Chase Cancer Center are working together to fight breast cancer through early detection and awareness.
Interested individuals are encouraged to secure their spot by calling Fox Chase Cancer Center at (215) 214-1682 to schedule an appointment, marking a significant step toward safeguarding their health against one of the most common cancer threats women face today.
The Downingtown Library is located at 122 Wallace Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335.
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