Bosom Buddies Bash spotlights the need for breast cancer early detection.

Although it had to be delayed due to other health concerns, Kathleen Blackwell still made time to get her annual mammogram in the fall of 2013, and she was very grateful she did.

The mammogram showed evidence of a change in breast tissue that was later confirmed to be an early-stage breast cancer. It was about six centimeters in size, but it had not spread to the lymph nodes. Since it was not the typical lump, Blackwell was not sure that she would have discovered the cancer before it started spreading, which would have reduced her chances of survival.

“A mammogram saved my life,” Blackwell said. “I feel certain that if I had put it off much longer, it would have spread to those lymph nodes and further.”

Statistics have supported her belief in the power of early detection. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for woman with localized cancer, which is cancer that has not yet spread to any other area of the body, is 99%. The survival rate for regional cancer that has spread to nearby organs drops to 86%, and distant cancer that has spread to other regions of the body falls to 31%.

“Breast cancer is a very real risk for women, but reducing your risk through a healthy lifestyle and early detection through regular screenings can equip you in the fight against it,” said Dr. Angela Myles, OB-GYN at Saline Women’s Clinic.

To raise awareness about breast cancer and the need for mammography, Saline Memorial Hospital is hosting the Bosom Buddies Bash event from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Those who attend the event will get free pampering, like hair tinsel from Wild Ivy Salon and lip and hand treatments from Mary Kay consultant Emily Lewis. Vendors, like Color Street consultant Madi Smith, Country Road Designs, Lori’s Homemade Gifts, Dreamtail Creations and Mandy Bennett, permanent jewelry artist, among others, will be onsite with samples, door prizes and/or products for purchase.

Attendees can also learn more about breast cancer and women’s health from local healthcare professionals, like Dr. Tyler Fugere from Genesis Blood and Cancer Institute and providers from Saline Women’s Clinic.

The hospital’s breast imaging team will be doing mammograms until 5:30 p.m. Mammograms should be scheduled in advance by calling 501.776.6820 or by speaking with a primary care provider. Anyone who needs a primary care provider can contact 501.387.0163 to get connected.

Attendees will also have opportunities to win prizes and to support the American Cancer Society.

“We know that as women, we often have a tendency to put aside concerns about our own health because we are busy taking care of others,” said Lisa Hyde, the hospital’s diagnostic imaging director. “The idea of Bosom Buddies Bash is that we are coming together as friends and family to support each other and encourage each other to make our own healthcare needs, like getting annual screenings, a priority.”

Staying up to date on preventative screenings, like mammography, can make a huge difference, like it did in Blackwell’s case. After her diagnosis, Blackwell began treatment, which included chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, 30 radiation treatments and numerous visits to various doctors, hospitals and clinics. She was on an oral chemotherapy drug for 10 years.

“Get the mammogram, do the self-breast exams, know your body,” Blackwell said. “Don't put if off. I am blessed to have had a great set of caregivers, co-workers, friends and family who looked after me. After 10 years the journey is not over, I'm just traveling down on a different fork in the road!”

About Saline Memorial Hospital

Saline Health System, a part of LifePoint Health, is made up of Saline Memorial Hospital, a 177-bed acute care facility, and Saline Clinics, a network of primary care and specialty clinics. The hospital is accredited through The Joint Commission for meeting quality and safety standards, the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI, the MBSAQIP as a bariatric surgery center, Optum in the Bariatric Centers of Excellence network, CARF as a rehabilitation center and the AASM as a sleep center. Saline Memorial Hospital is also proud to be recognized as a Leapfrog Grade “A” Hospital for its commitment to patient safety and quality care. For more information about Saline Memorial Hospital, please call 501.776.6000 or visit SalineMemorial.org. For more information about LifePoint Health, visit LifePointHealth.net.