Baystate Health to Present Free Virtual Lecture Series on Breast Health Beginning Oct. 10

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health will hold a free virtual lecture series on breast health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, beginning with “Lymph Node Surgery for Breast Cancer” on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.

When breast cancer is diagnosed, it’s important to get as much information as possible. To help find out where and if the cancer has spread, lymph nodes can be removed and checked, and, in some cases, more lymph nodes may be removed. Dr. Holly Mason, chief of Breast Surgery at Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists, will discuss lymph-node surgery when diagnosing and treating breast cancer.

The series continues on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. with “Screening Dense Breasts.” When a person is at higher risk for breast cancer or has dense breasts, the frequency of mammography and the procedures of detection can vary. Dr. Vivian Miller of the Department of Radiology, Division of Breast Imaging for Baystate Health, will discuss mammograms versus MRIs and screening dense breasts, while offering expert recommendations for early detection of breast cancer.

The series will end on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. with “Understanding Triple-negative Breast Cancer: A Deep Dive.” Triple-negative breast cancer presents unique challenges. Dr. Prarthna Bhardwaj of the Hematology/Oncology department in the Baystate Regional Cancer Program, will take a detailed look into its diagnosis, treatment strategies, and how to navigate its complexities.

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