Baystate Health to Hold Free, Virtual Lecture Series on Breast Health

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health will hold a free virtual lecture series on breast health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, beginning with “The Mammogram Callback” on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.

After getting a mammogram, it is common to receive a callback, which can be stressful and worrisome. Dr. Folashade Ajegba, a radiologist at Baystate Health, will discuss mammography, what a radiologist is looking for, why one might get a callback, what happens next, and why the additional information shared at a callback is a good thing.

The series continues on Monday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. with “Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy.” Treatment options for breast cancer can include surgery as part of the full treatment plan. Dr. Jesse Casaubon of Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists will discuss the options for a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, the potential differences, factors determining the surgery, surgical techniques, cosmetic results, and recovery.

The series will end on Monday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. with “Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer.” The treatment of breast cancer has evolved from a one-size-fits-all approach to ‘precision medicine.’ Now doctors can tailor medical treatment based on the genetic personality of an individual’s cancer. Dr. Prarthna Bhardwaj of the Baystate Regional Cancer Program will discuss how molecular testing impacts targeted treatments and the advances that have been made.

All lectures will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration is required for each session by visiting www.baystatehealth.org/breastcancerevents.