Breast cancer survivor shares importance of early detection

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It highlights the importance of regular screenings and early detection, which can increase the chances of survival.

Ellis Hospital and the Bellevue Woman's Center is hosting a Mammothon event with the goal of getting 250 women signed up for mammograms this month. NEWS10's Christina Arangio spoke with one survivor, who knows that self-advocacy is vital.

"I got diagnosed a couple days before my birthday. I was 36," Rachael Ward recalled.

Rachael caught her breast cancer early because she advocated for herself. She told her doctor she wanted to get screened before age 40, the recommended guideline for starting mammograms. She knew she was at greater risk.

"I basically wanted to do a baseline mammogram because I had a family history," she said. "My aunt was diagnosed in her early 40s."

Being proactive likely saved her life.

"It's so important for women to take care of their health and make their health a priority," Bellevue Womans' Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thea Dalfino said.

And that's the message promoted by Bellevue Woman's Center and Ellis Hospital in conjunction with the Roswell Park Cancer Center as part of their annual Mammothon. The initiative is already underway and urges women to get their mammograms. Each year, it encourages hundreds to get screened.

"Because early screening allows us to detect any changes early that may be treatable," Dr. Dalfino said.

Ward's breast cancer was Stage 1. She had a lumpectomy and six weeks of radiation. Her dear friend from first grade, Sarah, was diagnosed just a month after her and was not as lucky.

"By the time she did find out she was sick, it had spread significantly, and she passed away actually three years ago today."

Now, Ward advocates for others on behalf of the sweet friend she lost, who was married with two young children. Their lives are forever changed by Sarah's passing. Rachael wants others to learn from her friend's heartbreaking experience.

"She knew something was wrong for a while, and she was raising her children, and I think she really would want to advocate for this," Rachael said.

Nicole Armstrong is the manager of diagnostic imaging at Ellis Hospital.

"Knowledge is power, and we have to be our own advocates, and the more patients know about their own health care, the more they can advocate for themselves," she said.

That means scheduling a mammogram like Jasmine Shea did at 38 because of family history.

"Women are scared to, and we shouldn't be, and it's not painful at all," she said.

Rachael, cancer free, is checked every six months. She does not walk alone. Her family is always there supporting her, just like Sarah was and the gift she gave Rachael.

"This shirt says 'No one fights alone,'" Rachael said. "And I think that's really important because she would've done that for me."

Visit the Roswell Park Cancer Center at Ellis Hospital website to schedule your mammogram.