October is honored as Breast Cancer Awareness month, a month where we both remember those we have lost to breast cancer as well as raise awareness of resources for people who might be battling the disease. One of those resources available in our community is Castleview Hospital, who in addition to their day-to-day help with cancer battles is hosting a Cupcakes for Hope event on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. to help educate the community on the issue.

To learn more about the event and the importance of breast cancer screenings, Castle Country Radio met with Castleview Hospital’s Director of Radiology Cindy Rowley. The first topic of discussion was the Cupcakes for Hope event, which she explained in more detail,” We always try to have an event in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month. This year we are going to hold Cupcakes for Hope … We’re also going to have two speakers. A local surgeon, Dr. Kyle Jeffery and PA Hollie Stapley, are both going to provide a brief overview of breast health and services that they offer for women.”

Our next question for Rowley was about the importance of breast cancer awareness. “It’s essential for all women to get screenings starting at 40, sometimes younger depending upon your family history. And then you should have a mammogram each year after.” Rowley continued,” You do mammograms so that you can find breast cancer cells when they’re really small dots, that’s when you want to find it. And that’s why you have it every year to see those tiny changes.”

Rowley then moved on to how people can make an appointment to be screened for breast cancer,” if it’s a screening exam they don’t need a physician’s order, they can just come in and we’ll have them fill out a self-referral. You can also call the hospital at 435-637-4800 extension 3249 which will bring them directly to radiology where we can get them scheduled.” 

An important topic discussed by Rowley is the negative stigma that surrounds breast cancer screenings, offering words of wisdom to help break that negative perception, stating “ It’s an easy exam, it’s a fast exam, it’s a safe exam and it can save your life.”

Rowley’s parting words again worked to drive in the importance of breast cancer awareness,” We’d love for everybody to make sure that they get their screenings and that they do them yearly so that we can catch those little changes and we can catch any cancers early.”

Castleview Hospital’s Cupcakes for Hope event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.in the hospital’s classroom. Due to limited seating, registration is required for the event, which you can do by following this link. To stay up to date with Castleview Hospital and to view a full list of services offered, you can visit them on Facebook or their website.