Free Breast Health Informational Event June 8: "Breast Cancer: Do You Know What You Need to Know?"
May 10, 2011
Dr. Avice O'Connell
Greater awareness and mammography screening that detects breast cancer early in the most treatable stages has helped women protect themselves from the disease. But recent studies show fewer women are getting mammograms following changes made in screening recommendations in the last two years.
Avice O’Connell, M.D., F.A.C.R., Director of the Breast Imaging Center, will talk about breast cancer misconceptions and steps women can take to prevent the disease from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 8 at Woodcliff Hotel and Spa, 199 Woodcliff Drive, Fairport.
- The event is free, but reservations are required by June 1 at (585) 784-8821.
One in eight women in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer, and one of the biggest misconceptions is that "only" women 40 and older need to worry about the disease. A breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in her 30s will share her moving story at the event, "Breast Cancer: Do You Know What You Need to Know?"
Dr. O’Connell says many women also do not realize mammogram guidelines announced in November 2009, which recommended women start routine exams at age 50 instead of 40, were reversed in the Affordable Care Act in March 2010. However, recent studies suggest that since 2009, fewer doctors are recommending annual mammograms and fewer patients in their 40s are getting screened. O’Connell maintains that women start screenings in their 40s. Although breast cancer incidents increase with age, it is more aggressive in younger women.
Women of all ages are invited to attend the free presentation. Free drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be offered.