Mayor Proclaims October 2019 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach has signed a proclamation designating October 2019 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

The proclamation states that since October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and approximately 11,560 Illinois women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 according to the American Cancer Society, the Mayor proclaims October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and urges all women to take precautions to prevent breast cancer.

Joining the Mayor as he signed the proclamation were representatives from HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, including Medical Director of Women’s Wellness and Cancer Care Services Dr. Ruben Boyajian; Executive Director of Outpatient and Ancillary Services Mike Janis; Imaging Manager Adam Storm; Women’s Wellness Center Nurse Navigator Ashley Davis; Mammography Facilitator Susan Koontz; Radiological Technologist Erin Habing; and Medical and Orthopedic Care Manager Jennifer Wilson, a breast cancer survivor.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women.  Of the 11,560 women in Illinois estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, it is expected that 1,720 women will die of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.  Research shows that deaths from breast cancer could be reduced if women follow breast cancer screening recommendations, including routine mammography, regular examinations by a physician, and monthly breast self-examinations.  Mammography can identify breast abnormalities that may be cancerous at earlier stages when treatment is more effective and cure more likely.  Numerous studies have shown that early detection increase survival and treatment options.  The five-year survival rate for breast cancers found in the earliest stages is 99 percent.

For more information about mammography or to schedule your 3D mammogram at HSHS St. Anthony’s Women’s Wellness Center, visit stanthonys3dmammography.org.  You can also contact St. Anthony’s Women’s Wellness Center by calling 217-347-1601.

For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit the hospital’s web site at stanthonyshospital.org.  Mammography services are provided at all the hospitals in the Southern Illinois Division of Hospital Sisters Health System, which includes HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.

Photo Caption: Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach (center) recently signed a proclamation designating October 2019 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Joining the Mayor for the signing from HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital were, standing left to right, Executive Director of Outpatient and Ancillary Services Mike Janis; Medical and Orthopedic Care Manager Jennifer Wilson (a breast cancer survivor); Women’s Wellness Center Nurse Navigator Ashley Davis; Mammography Facilitator Susan Koontz; Medical Director of Women’s Wellness and Cancer Care Services Dr. Ruben Boyajian; Imaging Manager Adam Storm; and Radiological Technologist Erin Habing