Baystate to Present Free Virtual Breast Wellness Lecture Series Beginning Oct. 20

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Medical Center will hold its inaugural free virtual Breast Wellness Lecture Series during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 20 with “Keeping Abreast: the Latest Breast Cancer Research.”

Led by Dr. Grace Makari-Judson, chair of the Baystate Health Breast Network and co-director of the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, the program will feature a discussion about the latest research on breast-cancer care and the work to find a cure, including locally at Baystate Medical Center.

The series continues on Thursday, Oct. 21 with “Web’s Most-searched Questions Answered: Breast Cancer,” presented by breast surgeon Dr. Ann-Kristin Friedrich of Baystate’s Division of Surgical Oncology and Breast Specialists. Among the many questions she will answer will be, ‘what can I expect at my breast-cancer consultation?’ and ‘what stage of breast cancer requires a mastectomy?’

Breast surgeon Dr. Holly Mason, section chief of Breast Surgery at Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists, will present “Nine Things You Should Know About Your Breasts” on Wednesday, Oct. 27. Her presentation will focus on the myths about breast health and will help debunk them as she discusses various breast-health problems and the best ways to improve breast health.

The series will conclude on Thursday, Oct. 28 with “Timing Is Everything for Mammograms,” presented by breast surgeon Dr. Jesse Casaubon of Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists, who will discuss when women should start having mammograms, why timing matters, and how screenings are connected to one’s health.

All sessions will be presented live from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is required for each session by visiting baystatehealth.org/breast-month or calling (413) 794-5200.