Published on September 27, 2011

Asante Health System offers free clinical, physical breast exams at two events during October

Geri Gehr, imaging manager at Rogue Valley Medical Center and Rogue Valley Women’s Imaging, had breast cancer 21 years ago and is fighting it again today.

“My breast cancer was found on a routine mammogram first in 1990 and on a routine mammogram again two months ago,” Gehr says, adding that her prognosis is good because the mammogram detected the cancer in the early stages. “From experience, I can tell you this is the best ammunition in the fight against breast cancer. I get checked every year. You really have to take care of yourself. ”

That’s why staff at Rogue Valley Women’s Imaging in Medford and Three Rivers Women’s Imaging in Grants Pass encourage women to get a mammogram every year after age 40. They should also get a physical breast exam from a medical professional every 3 years starting at age 20, and then every year starting at age 40. Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is a good time to do both.

Breast cancer is second only to skin cancer as the leading cancer diagnosis among U.S. Women. In Oregon, breast cancer is the most commonly reported cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women (CDC 1999). However, modern medicine has greatly increased the survival rate for breast cancer, especially when women catch it early.

“Breast cancer is no longer a death sentence as once believed,” Gehr says, noting that when she had breast cancer in the early 1990s she knew seven women, four of them on her block, with breast cancer. “Now I am the only survivor. But a woman today can expect to survive, especially if she catches it early.”

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all women who get a mammogram at Three Rivers Women’s Imaging or Rogue Valley Women’s Imaging will receive a free gift and a coupon for a drink at the Human Bean.

In addition, both centers will offer free physical breast exams. Healthcare professionals will volunteer their time to conduct the free exams. Community volunteers will also be present to discuss how women with no insurance can qualify for a local program to get mammograms at no cost. All women who get screened at the event will receive a gift.

Free clinical breast exams will be available on the following dates:

Medford
Medford Women’s Clinic, 3170 State Street
Thursday, Oct. 13
4 to 6 p.m.
Registration required, please call 541-789-6164 or 541-789-6165.

 

Grants Pass 
Southern Oregon Women’s Health Center
700 SW Ramsey Ave., Suite 101
Wed. Oct. 5
1 to 3 p.m.
Registration required. Please call 541-955-5446.

 

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The Human Bean Coffee for a Cure
Friday, October 21
The Human Bean in Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath counties will donate all proceeds from beverage and pastry sales on Friday, October 21, to help fight breast cancer. All money donated will be kept locally and funds raised will assist in early detection by providing screening mammography vouchers for uninsured, low-income women and education to women with breast health concerns.
 
For more information or to schedule a mammogram, contact Rogue Valley Women’s Imaging in Medford at  541-541-789-6150, or Three Rivers Women’s Imaging in Grants Pass at 541-955-5446.