Free breast health discussion to be held Oct. 13 at Romeville cancer care center – The Herald-News

All adults are invited to a free panel discussion about breast health and breast cancer prevention.

The discussion will be held 6 p.m., Oct. 13, at Ascension Illinois Cancer Care Center Romeoville, located at 500 S. Weber Road in Romeoville.

The event is being held in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to a news release from Ascension Illinois. Specialists from Ascension Illinois Cancer Care Center will discuss various topics related to breast health and breast cancer.

Questions will be encouraged and light refreshments will be provided.

Dr. Lauren Ghee, breast surgeon, said the panel will include an oncologist discussing the latest breast cancer treatments and a radiation oncologist discussing current radiation treatments for breast cancer.

Ghee encouraged men and woman of all ages to attend.

I think its important for woman and men to know that breast cancer doesnt only affect women and that it doesnt only affect women of a certain age and patients who have a history of breast cancer, Ghee said.

[Breast cancer not as common in men, but does occur]

Ghee said its also important for women between the ages of 20 and 30 get a risk assessment for breast cancer through a breast surgeon, family doctor or gynecologist.

Because, so far, American Cancer Society doesnt recommend screening mammograms until the age of 40 for women at average risk for breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society said women at average risk for breast cancer dont have a family history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation that increases the risk of breast cancer. Women at average risk have also never had chest radiation therapy before age 30 or actually had breast cancer.

Ghee said the risk assessment isnt a particular test but a look at family history and other risk factors which could potentially increase a patients risk of developing breast cancer at an early age.

I have patients in their 30s that have already done the screening process and they were found to be at high risk, Ghee said.

No risk assessment or screening mammogram recommendations for men so far, Ghee said.

Generally speaking, the first sign of possible breast cancer is a palpable mass. But its easier to detect breast cancer in men and address it.

Ghee said she often hears people say genetic testing isnt for them because they dont have daughters, only sons.

Its a common misconception that the genetic causes of breast cancer dont affect men, Ghee said. Thats not true.

Although the event is free, registration is required. To register, visit ascn.io/breasthealthpresentation.

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Free breast health discussion to be held Oct. 13 at Romeville cancer care center - The Herald-News