Machias – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, allowing a vital opportunity to shine a light on the impact of breast cancer on individuals and families everywhere. This month serves not only to honor those who have bravely battled the disease, but also to advocate for early detection, education, and ongoing research.
Down East Community Hospital’s Mammography team Renee Dinsmore, Emily Ramsdell, and Jennifer Warren put on a paint and sip event at West Branch Farms to help raise breast cancer awareness because so many lives are touched by this disease.
In Maine, breast cancer is a significant public health concern. Approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Each year, about 1,200 new cases are reported, and breast cancer accounts for nearly 30% of all cancer diagnoses among women in our state. Furthermore, Maine has one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for increased awareness and access to screening.
Regular screenings are crucial, as they can detect cancer early when it is most treatable. In Maine, nearly 70% of women over fifty have had a mammogram in the past two years, but we must work to ensure that all women have access to these life-saving services, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. Last year the Imaging Department at Down East Community Hospital performed over two thousand mammograms.
Throughout October, we encourage everyone to engage in conversations about breast health, support fundraising efforts for research, and participate in local events. Whether it is wearing pink, sharing information on social media, or volunteering with organizations dedicated to breast cancer support, each action contributes to a larger movement.
This October, and beyond, let us stand together in spreading awareness, advocating for change, and offering unwavering support. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the collective fight against breast cancer. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those in our local community and beyond.
Photo Cutline: Down East Community Hospital’s Paint & Sip by Dawn at West Branch Farms was a beautiful way to get the word out about breast cancer awareness.
Julie Hixson
Director of Marketing & Communications