Alliance For Breast Care at J.C. Blair
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About the Alliance for Breast Care
J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital formed the Alliance for Breast Care (ABC) after receiving a grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Pittsburgh Affiliate during March of 2009. The two main goals of the ABC are:
- Help educate the women of Huntingdon County about breast cancer by distributing resources and holding education events for groups and organizations.
- Hold screening events for women that offer a variety of services to patients, including mammograms.
The group is comprised of:
- J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital
- Raystown Imaging, Inc.
- Area Medical Centers in Broad Top, Huntingdon, Juniata Valley, Mount Union, Southern Huntingdon, Trough Creek
- J.C. Blair Women’s Heart Health Initiative
- Centre/Huntingdon Tapestry of Health
- Area Agency on Aging
- American Cancer Society
If you are interested in helping to support the ABC in any way or holding an event in your area, please contact the ABC at (814)599-9760.
Breast Cancer Statistics for Huntingdon County
- About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
- An estimated 10,500 women over the age of 45 live in Huntingdon County
- J.C. Blair screens an average of 3,200 women each year.
- An average of 35 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in Huntingdon Co.
- An average of 5 deaths related to breast cancer occur each year in Huntingdon Co.
- In the 1980s, there was only a 74% survival rate for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, the survival rate, is 98%.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
The following Risk Factors are shown to increase a woman’s chance of developing breast disease. However, the risks are not the same for all women, and in some cases, women may be able to reduce their breast cancer risks by making healthy lifestyle changes.
- Being Female — Although men can get breast disease, female breast tissue is more likely to develop abnormalities
- Age—The chance of getting breast cancer increases as you get older
- Family History — If your mother, sister, or daughter has had breast cancer, your risk is higher. Having other first degree relatives with breast cancer may increase your risk.
- Genetics — About 5 to 10 percent of American women who get cancer have a hereditary genetic mutation.
- Menstrual History — If you began to menstruate early (before the age of 12), you are at increased risk. If you went through menopause late (after age 55), you are at increased risk.
Early Detection is the Key
Although there is no proven way to prevent breast cancer, you may be able to detect breast abnormalities early. It’s as easy as ABC:
A Annual Mammograms
- Should be scheduled yearly after the age of 40 or earlier if your family has a history of breast cancer.
- Gentle compression is needed to acquire the most accurate view of the breast from two different angles, top to bottom and side to side.
B Breast Self Awareness (BSA)
- Know what is normal for you.
- Remember to look and to feel.
- Do not use the excuse of “I don’t know what I’m looking for.” Doing monthly exams will help you become familiar with the normal anatomy of your breasts.
- Perform once a month about a week after your period (or at the same time post-menopause).
C Clinical Breast Exams:
During your annual visit to your healthcare professional, he or she should examine your breast for any obvious abnormalities.
Quotes...
- “The screening was much better than I ever imagined. Everyone was so good and friendly.”
- “Thank you so much for caring.”
- “Keep up the great work to spread this very important message”
- “Great program — the staff was excellent.”
- “It the screening was well organized and well staffed. So generous!”
- “This was a gathering of women who care.”
1225 Warm Springs Avenue
Huntingdon, PA 16652
Phone: (814)643-8833
Fax: (814)643-8348