October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

JASPER, Ga. (Oct. 28, 2009) – Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in the United States.  Nearly 193,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Treatment and cure are possible but early detection is perhaps one of the most significant factors in their success. In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital is encouraging all women to get their mammograms.

In October of last year, Betty Sitten of Talking Rock, Ga., found a lump in her breast. She was 70 years old when she learned she had breast cancer.

Sitten underwent four chemotherapy treatments, surgery, and four additional chemotherapy treatments followed by 33 radiation treatments.  But now, after all of the visits to doctors’ offices, treatments and therapies, Sitten is cancer-free.

Throughout her treatment, Sitten participated in the Look Good, Feel Better workshops held at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital.

“You go in with no eyebrows, hair or eyelashes and they show you how to look yourself again,” said Sitten. “We shared stories, were shown tips, given wigs, an outfit and even a kit to take home! When you left you not only looked good but felt good again. It was wonderful.”

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in October of 1985 in an effort to raise awareness about the disease in order to increase early detection and survival.  After more than two decades, recent studies by the American Cancer Society show that breast cancer death rates are declining.

“It’s always easy for us to create an excuse to put off getting a mammogram,” said Rosa Langella, M.D., of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “But whether it’s lack of time, an ‘oh it won’t happen to me’ attitude, or fear, we want to encourage all women to take that step towards early detection and schedule a mammogram. It could potentially save your life.”

“I’d never had a mammogram,” said Sitten. “But I would certainly suggest everyone get one. If I had, they might have found my cancer earlier.”

To schedule an appointment for your mammogram, or for more information about Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Women’s Services, please call 706-301-5246 or visit piedmontmountainsidehospital.org.