Baystate Health to Present Free, Virtual Lecture Series on Breast Health Beginning Oct. 3

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health will present a free, virtual lecture series during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October beginning with a look at “When to Worry About Breast Lumps” on Monday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.

Most breast lumps are not cancer. Join Dr. Jesse Casaubon of Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists for a discussion about the many changes that cause breast lumps, when they are cancerous and when they are not, as well as treatment options.

The series continues on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. with “Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk.” Genetic testing has been popular for finding family genealogy, but it is much more than that. Today, genetic testing can be used to determine if you carry an increased risk of developing cancer. Join genetic counselor Alexandra Richards of the Baystate Health Family Cancer Risk Program for a discussion about the latest in genetic testing for breast-cancer risk, how it works, as well as information on the Family Cancer Risk Program.

The series will end on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. with “The Signs of Breast Cancer.” What does breast cancer look like and feel like? Should you worry about breast pain? How is breast cancer diagnosed? Join Dr. Ann Friedrich of Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists for a discussion on changes to watch for.

All lectures will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration is required for each session by visiting www.baystatehealth.org/breast-month. The lecture series is sponsored by Baystate Health Every Woman.

During her lifetime, one in eight women (and about 1% of men) will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Baystate Health not only offers specialized breast cancer care and support, but also provides breast-health education and conducts important research to advance the fight against this disease.