Published: October 07, 2008 09:25 pm      

Conemaugh offering free breast exams

Early detection of breast cancer can be lifesaving, experts say.

The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings for women age 40 and older to help diagnose cancer in its early stages for successful treatment.

Monthly breast self-exams should supplement an annual clinical exam and mammogram, the society recommends.

As part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance, Conemaugh Health System is offering free clinical exams at three locations.

The first clinic will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cancer Care Center in the Good Samaritan building at Memorial Medical Center’s main campus, 1086 Franklin St.

Physicians and other health-care professionals have volunteered to provide the physical examinations, checking for lumps and other symptoms of disease, said April Behory, Memorial’s director of women’s and children’s services.

Although most women know about the importance of an annual mammogram, many forget to include the physical exams, which also are part of the Cancer Society’s recommendations for early detection, Behory said.

“The screening is the first step for identifying a problem,” Behory said. “Many times, that piece is not being done.”

If caught early, tumors can be surgically removed with a lumpectomy procedure, preserving the breast. Surgeons usually check glands under the patient’s arm called lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread.

If it has not moved from the breast, a round of radiation therapy is often all that is needed, Dr. Gerard Garguilo said.

“If those (lymph nodes) are clear, we can tell the patient with almost 100 percent certainty they are cancer free,” Garguilo said.

Patients at Thursday’s clinic may schedule follow-up mammograms. Free vouchers will be available for qualified women with no insurance.