OhioHealth Stresses Importance of Early Breast Cancer Detection

CAMBRIDGE, OH – As October comes to an end, healthcare professionals are reminding women that the importance of breast cancer screenings extends beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Early detection plays a critical role in successfully treating breast cancer. Mammograms can detect cancer before symptoms appear, giving patients a better chance of successful treatment.

“The key has been early detection. So, the sooner that we can detect breast cancer, the better we have the ability as oncologists to help treat and potentially cure,” said Dr. Baidehi Maiti, medical director of oncology at OhioHealth. “And to do that, mammograms are essential.”

Along with regular mammograms, healthcare professionals encourage women to become familiar with their bodies and pay attention to any unusual changes.

Maiti emphasized that while breast self-exams have not been shown to improve survival rates in the same way mammograms have, being aware of changes in breast health remains important.

“In addition to getting the mammograms, I would ask women to be self-aware,” Maiti said. “If they’re feeling something that feels abnormal, bring it to their physician’s attention right away.”

To help make screenings more accessible, OhioHealth has partnered with Coconis Furniture, Genesis HealthCare System and Licking Memorial Health Systems to offer free mammograms.

Those interested in learning more about the free mammogram program can visit the participating organizations’ websites for additional information.

Healthcare professionals remind women that although Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming to a close, prioritizing breast health and early detection remains important year-round.