MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – At U.P. Health System Marquette, Cancer Care took center stage this week as the hospital opened its cancer center doors to the public for a special event aimed at raising awareness.
The hospital welcomed the public to meet the medical team and learn more about cancer prevention and screening,
“Getting your yearly mammograms and that early detection for breast cancer really does save lives. One in eight women will get breast cancer within their lifetime, and doing mammograms yearly catches these things when they’re small, when they’re early, when they’re super easy to treat,” said Cancer Surgeon, Dr. Laura Lozier.
Dr Heidi Henry, a radiologist in the cancer center, says it’s events like this that strengthen the bonds between doctors and patients.
“Most women, I think, are pretty proactive about their health, and so that brings a lot of the younger patients,” said Dr. Henry.
The open house, featured tours of the imaging center, question and answer sessions with the cancer care team, live demonstrations and free educational materials. UPHS medical staff say the goal is to encourage more people to get regular screenings, which can save lives through early detection.
“If you had a one in eight chance of winning the lottery, you’d buy a lotto ticket. If you have a one in eight chance in your lifetime of getting breast cancer, you’re going to get the mammogram,” said Dr. Henry.
The technology involved in treating breast cancer has made some major advances in the last few years, like a way to mark potential tumors, making them easier to track.
“It’s very easy on the patient, you know, meaning you’re in and out much easier, and the accuracy of the lumpectomy is dramatically improved. We just got that, which is really nice. It’ll be great for the patients in the U.P.