Programs target breast cancer

Breast cancer takes the spotlight each October during National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

On Friday, Oct. 20—also National Mammography Day—more than 400 early morning commuters participated in the DMH-sponsored Early Detection Connection. Participants received a gift, a bagel, and tons of breast cancer information—all from the comfort of their own cars.

The next day, Oct. 21, inter-national pop artist Olivia Newton-John, 57, stopped by DMH while in Decatur for her Heartstrings World tour. As part of her DMH visit, local breast cancer survivors were invited to the hospital to watch as DMH presented Newton-John with a Humanitarian Award for her work to bring awareness to breast cancer. While at DMH, Newton-John took a few minutes to answer questions, sign autographs and even hugged a few breast cancer survivors.

Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 at age 44. She underwent a partial mastectomy of her right breast and received chemotherapy followed by breast reconstruction.

Her two-hour benefit concert raised $70,000 and was brought to Decatur by Millikin University and Decatur Memorial Hospital.

In fact, in its continuing quest to extinguish breast cancer, DMH will dedicate $280,000 to purchase additional digital mammography equipment and to help fund programs sponsored by the DMH Women’s Health and Breast Center. The money is thanks to—

• 70,000 in proceeds from the Olivia Newton-John benefits concert,
• 25,000 raised this summer from the local Sandy McKenzie golf outing
• $185,000 from the DMH Auxiliary as part of its annual campaign.

DMH Women’s Health and Breast Center provides a comprehensive program for women who are experiencing breast cancer. Some of the most advanced technology is available to detect even subtle signs of early-stage breast cancer. With the use of digital mammography at DMH, breast cancer detection has been significantly advanced.

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