Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center highlights breast cancer screening during awareness month

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is urging women to take charge of their health through mammogram screenings, lifestyle choices and risk awareness.

Mammograms are the most effective way to detect breast cancer early, before symptoms appear and when it is easiest to treat, according to the American College of Radiology. Yet the CDC reports that one in four women ages 50 to 74 have not had a screening in the past two years.

“For women, the first step is to review screening guidelines and understand if family history or other risk factors place them at higher risk,” said Amy Pennington, FNP, a primary care provider with Regional Physician Services. “Whether starting at age 40 or earlier, screening mammograms are one of the most important ways women can take care of their health. The goal is early detection — before a tumor can be felt or causes symptoms.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Missouri, at more than twice the rate of lung cancer. Nationally, 279,731 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2022, the most recent data available.

While women with strong family histories, African American women, and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are encouraged to undergo risk assessments by age 25, Pennington noted that about half of all breast cancer diagnoses occur in women with no known risk factors beyond age and gender.

“This is why awareness and adherence to screening guidelines is so critical,” Pennington said. “If breast cancer is detected before it spreads, the survival rate is 99%.”

Pennington also emphasized that maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol use can help lower risk.

Most insurance plans cover screening mammograms every one to two years beginning at age 40, with no out-of-pocket cost. Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center offers online scheduling at pbrmc.com/mammogram
or by phone at 573-785-6610.

Upcoming events

Friday, Oct. 17 — Mammos & Mocktails Health Seminar, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn. Free lunch and a panel of experts will discuss screenings. Mammogram scheduling will be available on site. Registration encouraged.

Saturday, Oct. 18 — Mammos & Mochas walk-in mammogram event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bluff Imaging & Women’s Center. Eligibility details are available on the PBRMC events page.

All October — PBRMC will raise funds for the United Cancer Associated Network (UCAN). Donations can be made in the hospital cafeteria from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donors will receive a “pink-out” T-shirt while supplies last.

For more than 100 years, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center has provided healthcare to Butler County and surrounding communities, offering a wide range of services including oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s health and more.