Blog

Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  • October 3, 2024

Every October, we come together to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and supporting those affected by this disease. With 1 in 8 women diagnosed in their lifetime, the impact of breast cancer is profound, not just on individuals but also on families and communities. According to the American Cancer Society, black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than their white counterparts.

This month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and education. Regular screenings, like mammograms, can catch breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) opened a Mammography Suite in 2013 on the first floor of Whittier Street Health Center’s 1290 Tremont Street location. This joint effort by DFCI and Whittier Street Health Center addresses the structural barriers preventing low-income and minority women from being screened for breast cancer. Our Breast Cancer Care team includes patient navigators, oncology nurses, mammography technologists, program coordinators, and breast health educators. The goal of the Mammography Suite is to connect all women including underserved women to high-quality, culturally sensitive, compassionate and high quality care.

In February 2023, Whittier Street Health Center received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to enhance its breast cancer screening programs with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Part of the Biden-Harris Cancer Moonshot Initiative, the funding aims to reduce cancer death rates by 50% over 25 years, particularly for high-risk groups like black women. Whittier’s Center for Health Equity Research will implement genetic testing for over 750 patients with family histories of breast cancer, prioritizing early detection and delivering personalized care to our under-served patient population.

In 2024, approximately 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Whittier Street Health Center is hosting a community event for both women and men to provide information and resources about early detection, risk factors and symptoms of Breast Cancer. Please join us on October 24th for our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month community event. All are welcome! Together, we can make a difference and work towards a future where breast cancer no longer affects our loved ones.

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).