Nation Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Mammogram Parties

Want to have a super cool girls’ night out? How about some wine, snacks, a massage and a mammogram?

Women’s health centers across the nation are offering “mammogram parties” to encourage women to have their breasts checked for abnormalities that could signal cancer. Given a little notice, some of them will even customize an event for a large group.

In Lancaster, PA, the “Girls ‘n’ ‘Grams” event on Oct. 13 will feature food, gifts, mini-facials, makeovers, foot massages, shopping and, of course, mammograms. Around the country, participants in these events are trading work clothes for plush robes and cocktails, offering support to other women to take a bit of the chill out of the annual mammogram.

“Anything that encourages women to get screening tests is a great idea,” said Susan Brown, a director of health education with the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Dr. Lucy Hornstein hosted the “Second Annual Dr. Dino’s Bagels and Boobs” this summer in Valley Forge, PA. Dr. Dino, as she is known to patients, brought the bagels and cream cheese, and then joined a dozen of her patients in getting their annual mammograms.

“I can’t think of a better way to honor (my mother’s) memory,” said Hornstein, whose mother died of breast cancer more than 25 years ago.

Linda Johnson, 63, was visiting friends in Florida when a friend coaxed her into going to a Florida Hospital Volusia/Flagler Pink Army Party. As a result, she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer earlier this year. “At the Pink Party, you are standing right there with a friend, not a medical person in a white coat scaring you,” she said.

The American Cancer Society of Queens did not know of any local mammogram parties. For local women survivors of breast cancer, a store called , in Bayside, specializes in intimate wear for survivors. The store is a boutique that offers a friendly, and personal experience.

National Mammography Day is Oct. 21. The date serves as a reminder to schedule a mammogram with a friend, sister, coworker or group of women. Test your knowledge of mammograms with this quiz.

“Mammography is an easy test that can save your life,” said Dr. Dahlia Sataloff, director of The Integrated Breast Cancer Center at Penn Hospital. “Why wouldn’t you do it?”

Tips for when you go from the American Cancer Society:

• Everyone must have doctor’s order for a mammogram and money to pay or proof of insurance. Some places offering freebies have age restrictions (40 plus).
• Bring any past scans or dates and provider phone numbers for previous mammograms, biopsies, etc.
• Don’t wear deodorant, lotion, cream or powder as these things could interfere with a clear mammogram.
• The best time to go is one week after menstrual cycle ends – especially for women with tender breasts.

Check out these local Breast Cancer Awareness Month events:

• Free forum on breast cancer and nutrition—with the latest research presented— Nov. 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Alumni House, 154 Cambridge Ave., Adelphi University, Garden City.
• Breast Cancer Walk in Flushing Meadows Corona Park - Oct. 16 at 9 a.m.

• Pink Ribbon Tea and Chinese Auction – Oct. 9 – Albany 518-479-2665