October Brings Focus To Breast Cancer Screening Across Southern Utah
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of early detection, regular screenings and support for those facing a cancer diagnosis. But despite the importance of mammograms, Utah and southern Utah rank low in the number of women receiving the screenings annually, according to Cheryl Bellomo, a registered nurse at the Sandra L. Maxwell Cancer Center at Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital.
“Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancers for women in Utah,” Bellomo said during an interview on The Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB. “With that said though, unfortunately, Utah is, Utah and even southern Utah ranks extremely low in the number of mammograms that women receive on their annual basis.”
Bellomo said one reason women may put off screening is the misconception that breast cancer only affects those with a family history of the disease. In reality, she said, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. The cancer center is also seeing younger women diagnosed each year.
“These are young women who have careers. They have families, and now they and their families are facing cancer,” Bellomo said.
In addition to regular mammograms, Bellomo encourages women to perform monthly breast self-examinations and contact their health care provider if they notice anything unusual. Warning signs can include lumps in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, an inverted nipple or unusual nipple discharge. While these changes do not necessarily indicate cancer, they should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Bellomo also highlighted the importance of nurse navigation, a specialized nursing role that helps patients and families navigate the often-complicated process of cancer treatment.
The concept dates to the 1980s in Harlem, New York, where breast surgeon Dr. Harold Freeman noticed that many women were not reaching his operating table until their cancer had advanced to stage three or stage four. Recognizing that underserved patients were being diagnosed too late, Freeman sought ways to improve access to care and get people through the process earlier.
Today, nurse navigators serve as clinical guides and coordinators, connecting patients with physicians, radiology, pathology and other members of the oncology team. They also help patients overcome obstacles such as a lack of insurance, transportation or caregiver support.
“We help to expedite that course,” Bellomo said. “The quicker that we are and more effective we are, the better clinical outcomes we can have for that individual.”
After 19 years in the field, Bellomo said the work brings both heartbreak and moments of success. She emphasized that compassionate care means treating patients and their families as more than a diagnosis.
“One of the things that we really take to heart is that we love to treat our patients, their families, as our family,” she said.
For more information, Bellomo recommended the American Cancer Society and Intermountain Health’s cancer services.
To hear the entire interview with Cheryl Bellomo, click the podcast below.
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