Breast Cancer Early Detection

I’ve never done this before…

I’m not referring to sharing health and wellness, contributing to a cause, stressing the importance of being your own health advocate, or even being part of something much bigger, I’m talking about asking for help. It doesn’t come easy but this is a little easier because I'm not asking for me I’m asking for you, for your mother, your wife, your daughter, your sister, your granddaughter, your friend.

In May of this year I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. A mammogram can miss a cancer. Mine did in January 2021. I eat well, I exercise and I’ve always considered myself healthy. I have my yearly screenings. Luckily my mammograms are always followed with ultrasound because I have DENSE breast tissue.

I’ve had chemotherapy and surgery and although I can almost put this behind me I have more chemo and radiation treatments ahead of me.

My passion for health and wellness continues with more enthusiasm and authenticity then ever. I am driven and passionate about prevention and early detection. I have joined the cause to spread the word that early detection means cure.

With ultrasound, early detection rates can be increased from 48% to approximately 97%. Conventional mammograms fail to detect abnormalities in over 47% of women. This is due to the fact that nearly 50% of women have dense breast tissue which actually blocks the view of suspect lesions in mammograms.

On Friday, November 19, 2021 I will join forces with Herscan and host a Day of Breast Health at the Rumford Center, Rumford RI. Herscan is a mobile medical screening company that provides easy access to powerful ultrasound technology The ultrasound screening includes a scan of both breasts with axilla (under arm area), radiologist reading fee, and Nuance cloud-share results. All Herscan Sonographers are registered RDMS and all scans are read by board-certified radiologist. At this time the payment is $265. I would like to raise enough money for 30 women to receive an ultrasound, a non-invasive, safe and most well-known option for additional breast health screening.

Getting a cancer diagnosis has been the most frightening experience of my life. I am on a mission to share this awareness and provide access to ultrasound testing. Awareness without action has zero benefit.

Please help if you are able. Thank you.

"I visualize a future where informed consumers will choose early detection and prevention over crisis driven medical care." Mary Jo Henderson, Founder