Waiting to get screened for breast cancer can mean the difference between life and death.
"It's very important that women undergo a regular screening for cancers we can cure with early detection," said Dr. Michelle Warren during an interview with the Round Up.
The earlier cancer is detected, the better. Additionally, breast cancer is one of the few forms of the disease for which a suitable and mostly reliable screening method has been developed, she said.
"It's a very good test."
Women ages 50-74 ó the group most at risk of developing breast cancer ó have access to a free local mammography service until Thursday, Jan. 12. Alberta Health Services has arranged for the mobile clinic's annual program in Sundre, where a trailer will be stationed at the Aquaplex. Residents can book an appointment or learn more about the initiative by calling toll-free 1-800-667-0604, said a press release.
Warren praised the provincial health-care administration's effort to provide mobile cancer screening services in rural communities like Sundre. The closest other municipalities that could otherwise offer mammograms are Red Deer or Airdrie, she said.
Roads in the province can become "dicey" during the winter ó especially if there's a snowstorm the day of an appointment ó so the local doctor said endeavouring to bring such medical technology directly to town opens the proverbial doors to more people.
"It's a great service to offer and I hope AHS continues to offer it ó that's the way of the future."
Mountain View County division 5 councillor Angela Aalbers, a breast cancer survivor, urged women who are not already getting tested routinely to stop putting off an appointment with their doctor.
"My advice to every woman out there is to start early and continue to be very vigilant with your screening."
Early detection offers the best chance of survival by providing more options for treatment that are no longer available if the cancer has progressed too far, as was her own personal experience.
"I actually waited a bit too long," she candidly told the Round Up during a phone interview, adding her cancer had by the time it was discovered already started becoming aggressive.
"By the time I found out, my treatment options were fewer."
Since her tumour had already become too big for any surgical procedures, Aalbers said her treatment began directly with chemotherapy. She was diagnosed in February 2015, endured eight rounds of chemotherapy followed by surgery in October 2015 as well as 25 rounds of radiation.
"I am free and clear."
The lack of a supportive network can be something victims of cancer struggle with. Having herself gone through the arduous and harrowing experience of struggling to beat breast cancer, Aalbers said she would gladly be willing to speak with any woman who has issues or is scared and concerned about going through a similar situation, and that she can be reached at 403-507-1057.
