LE FLORE COUNTY, Okla. — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and by now you've probably taken in all kinds of information from how often it is diagnosed to new or improved treatments.
As we wrap up this month, we're going back to the basics. Early detection through self-exams and mammograms is the best way to start checking for any lumps that could be cancerous. Thanks to these basics, an Oklahoma mother and daughter saved their own lives.
Becky Reif and her mother Freda Reed live in LeFlore County. Becky was the first to find something in her breast in August 2022.
"I found something suspicious. And I went to my primary care physician. And they were really on top of that. They got me in quickly for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound," said Becky.
A lumpectomy and medication were enough to take care of Becky's cancer along with radiation.
Just seven months later, her mother Freda, got some bad news.
"It was about time for my annual mammogram. And so I scheduled it and had it and it was perfectly normal. And so we just went about, everything's okay. And then about the last part of March of this year. I found something suspicious," said Freda.
Another mammogram showed cancer. She too, had a lumpectomy along with radiation and today, both are in good health.
Doctor Sarah Tshitenga specializes in family medication at Baptist Fort Smith. She says even after all these years, getting a mammogram is still the best way to detect cancer early.
"Between 2008 and 2017, yearly rates of newly diagnosed breast cancer increased by about 0.3%, rates of breast cancer deaths fell by 1.5%, which is a good thing," said Doctor Tshitenga. "It is important to, you know, get yourself screened and to go for your mammogram when you're supposed to go in order to avoid being one of the statistics."
As far as when to start getting mammograms, Doctor Tshitenga says a vast majority of women can start between the ages of 50 and 75 but says the American Cancer Society recommends high-risk women to have both a mammography and MRIs starting at age 30.
For Freda and Becky, getting a mammogram is a must.
"I was very neglectful. And that will not happen again. And I tell everybody now, go get checked, mama was faithful," said Freda. "It could literally be a matter of life and death."
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