Women Encouraged To Know Their Breast Cancer Risks

“Always pay attention to your bodies,” was the message that Ruth Modzewlewski, PhD emphasized to the standing-room only group of women who attended HealthPLEX Imaging’s first Mamm & Glamm event on March 2 at the Mon-Vale HealthPLEX in Belle Vernon. Mrs. Modzewlewski, who is the mission coordinator for the Pittsburgh affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, was the featured speaker during the event that offered women with prescriptions mammograms along with a variety of pampering services such as massages and manicures.

Mamm & Glamm was organized by the staff of HealthPLEX Imaging and Monongahela Valley Hospital who applied for and received a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure to host the event. Mrs. Modzewlewski, who is a two-time breast cancer survivor, shared her personal experiences with cancer before outlining the biggest risks women face for developing breast cancer.

“It is important for everyone to know the risks and the biggest risk is just being a woman followed by age,” Mrs. Modzewlewski told the audience.

She outlined the healthy lifestyle choices that can help reduce the risk factors. These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Adding exercise into routines
  • Limiting alcohol intake
  • Limiting postmenopausal hormone use
  • Breastfeeding if possible

Perhaps the most invaluable information that was presented to the attendees was a demonstration on the proper ways to perform breast self-examinations.

“Feel for anything that is different than the rest of your breasts,” Mrs. Modzewlewski told the group.

HealthPLEX Imaging is accredited by the American College of Radiology. Mammograms can be scheduled Monday through Friday and Tuesday evenings. Free parking is offered at Mon-Vale HealthPLEX and complimentary outpatient transportation service also is available. A physician’s prescription is required for all mammograms.

For an appointment, call 724-379-1900.

Pictured left to right dressed in their “Hope is a Work of Heart” T-shirts are members of the HealthPLEX Imaging staff including Jeannette Petruski, mammography supervisor; Carol Konsugar, mammography technologist; and Patty Fife, Diagnostic Radiology supervisor.
Pictured left to right dressed in their “Hope is a Work of Heart” T-shirts are members of the HealthPLEX Imaging staff including Jeannette Petruski, mammography supervisor; Carol Konsugar, mammography technologist; and Patty Fife, Diagnostic Radiology supervisor.
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