RITCHIE, OSWEGO HEALTH TEAM UP FOR “THE POWER OF PINK”

State Senator Patty Ritchie and Oswego Health are teaming up to host “The Power of Pink,” an event taking place during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” that will feature free mammograms and clinical breast examinations, as well as a special presentation by experts on prevention and treatment.

The event—which is being made possible through $20,000 in special funding secured by Senator Ritchie—will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22nd at Fulton Medical Center, located at 510 S. Fourth Street in Fulton. The special presentation by surgeons Allison Duggan, MD and Dawn Holman, MD will begin at 6:00 p.m..

“With breast cancer being the second most common form of cancer affecting women, it’s critical that females take steps—like having regular mammograms—to protect their health,” said Senator Ritchie. “I’m pleased to partner with Oswego Health and sponsor this event, which will offer free screenings and arm women with the vital information they need to prevent breast cancer.”

“This event will bring awareness to the issue of breast cancer and the fact that women over the age of 40 should have a yearly mammogram and a clinical breast examination,” said Oswego Health’s Director of Community Health Services Brenda LaMay, FNP. “We are pleased to be working with State Senator Patty Ritchie and our other healthcare partners to improve the health status of our community. This is an opportunity for women to educate themselves on a very important topic.”

“A digital mammogram with computer aided detection is one of the tools I use to diagnose breast cancer,” said Surgeon and Oswego Hospital Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Allison Duggan, MD. “Screening mammography remains the most practical and cost-effective study available for the early detection of breast cancer today and is an unparalleled asset in our fight against breast cancer. I also encourage women to have a yearly clinical breast exam, which is another vital screening tool that should not be overlooked.”

Women from throughout the community are invited to attend, and those aged 40 or older who haven’t had a breast exam in three years are eligible for free mammograms and clinical breast examinations.  Women interested in receiving a mammogram or clinical examination must make an appointment by calling (315) 349-5513.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women, with one in eight diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.  In addition, its estimated that more than 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease annually, and more than 40,000 will lose their lives as a result.