Baptist Union County hosts free luncheon to heighten breast cancer awareness

NEW ALBANY, MISS., Sept. 26, 2019– Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County will host a free luncheon, open to the public, which aims to raise awareness of breast cancer and preventive care measures.

The luncheon will take place at noon on October 9th, in the Hillcrest Baptist Church fellowship hall, located at 216 Highway 15 South, New Albany.

According to the American Cancer Society, a woman’s chance of having invasive breast cancer is 1 in 8, and 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2019. In order to educate area women about their options for preventive care and screening, Baptist Union County will provide attendees with important information about keeping breast cancer at bay.

The luncheon will feature Dr. Justin Lohmeier, a Baptist radiologist who will discuss 3-D mammography as well as the many advantages to the patient, including more accurate detection, earlier diagnosis, better detection in women with dense breast tissue, increased comfort and minimal radiation exposure, according to multiple sources. Local breast cancer survivors will share their stories following Dr. Lohmeier’s presentation.

Although the luncheon is free to the public, pre-registration is requested, by calling Stefanie Hodges, at 662-538-2613.

Awareness is an important ally in the fight against breast cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of survival.

Baptist Union County offers a variety of services, including adult and pediatric inpatient care, maternity, surgery, a 24-hour emergency department and diagnostics. The hospital also has 3D mammography, TeleHealth services and an eICU. Baptist Union County has an excellent reputation for providing quality care and recently earned an “A” Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group and Outstanding Patient Experience and Patient Safety Excellence awards from Healthgrades. Most notably, Baptist Union County became the first hospital in Mississippi to earn five stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the hospital’s quality, outcomes, safety and patient satisfaction. The Chartis Center for Rural Health also recognized the hospital as one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the country.