News

During October, Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System is committed to promoting prevention of breast cancer, treatment of breast cancer and celebrating the lives of those who have won their battle over the disease. If you think you've been hearing a lot more positive news about breast cancer care and prevention, you're right. And if you support prevention and research efforts, you're part of the reason.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), one in eight women still develops breast cancer. A woman's chances for recovery, however, have been looking better. Among those diagnosed today in the early stages, the five-year survival rate has jumped to 100 percent.

More women are surviving breast cancer because the disease is being detected earlier, the ACS says. Mammograms are still the gold standard of early detection, and the good news is that more women are getting them regularly, the ACS says. Early detection through regular mammograms is the best way to reduce your risk. The benefits and limitations of mammography vary based on factors like age and personal risk. The ACS recommends yearly screening for all women ages 40 and older. The ACS also recommends clinical breast exams (CBEs) at least every three years for all women in their 20s and 30s and annual CBEs for women ages 40 and older.

MHHS offers Digital Mammography at The Morristown Regional Diagnostic Center. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the center will be extending their hours to make more mammogram appointment times available to the community. Special evening appointments are available until 8:00pm on Thursday, October 6 and Thursday, October 20. Special weekend appointments are available between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 8 and Saturday, October 22. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (423) 317-3133 or (866) 317-3133.

On Thursday, October 13, the Wellness of Women’s Girl Night Out will feature booths operated by vendors from all over the local community, including the Morristown Regional Diagnostic Center who will be providing information about Breast Cancer Awareness. Girls Night Out takes place at the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tickets for this event can be purchased at the hospital’s JBC Gift Shop or at the Citizen Tribune. You can also purchase tickets by calling (423) 585-0914, or online at www.lakewatickets.com.

Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System will feature a special program at the hospital’s monthly A Meal & More luncheon on Wednesday, October 19. Mary Jane Lehto, ACNP, will be speaking on the topic of “Breast Cancer Awareness: Then & Now.” For more information or to make a reservation for this event, please call (423) 585-0914.

Also, on October 19, the JBC Gift Shop at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System will be hosting a Breast Cancer Survivor Celebration to honor survivors from all over the community, including hospital employees and volunteers. The Celebration will take place from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with cake, punch, and refreshments available to everyone, as well as door prizes. Special Breast Cancer Awareness merchandise will be available at a discount price of 10% off throughout the month of October, and all breast cancer survivors who visit that day will receive a free Pink Ribbon Survivor Pin.

For more information, contact the MHHS marketing office at 423-522-4899.