Colarusso Urges Residents to Get Breast Cancer Screenings

Submitted by Stoneham Selectwoman and candidate for State Representative Caroline Colarusso.

I write to urge you to get your yearly check, because this disease can be a killer if not detected in time. Did you know that one in eight women will develop breast cancer within their lifetime?

Early detection with a disease is extremely important. My mother suffers from Alzheimer’s. If she had been diagnosed correctly from the beginning we could have a chance in slowing the progression the disease. We lost valuable time with her, so I hope that you will please get your yearly examine.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2016 there will be 246,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer. While death rates have been on the decrease since 1989, over 40,000 will lose their battle with this disease this year.

A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The best way to decrease the mortality rate is through early detection. That’s why this Breast Cancer Awareness month is so important.

Here are some places in our area where mammograms and breast exams are provided:

• Hematology and Oncology Center in Stoneham,
• Melrose-Wakefield Hospital
• Winchester Hospital

Don’t be a statistic, take the time to get tested.

I will continue to hold weekly office hours every 1st, 3rd, and 4th Friday of the month at the Stoneham Senior Center from 9:00 am to 10:30 am followed by office hours at Stoneham Town Hall from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. If these hours aren’t convenient for you call me at (781) 438-5720 or email at CColarusso@Stoneham-MA.gov.

Image submitted by Caroline Colarusso