‘Breast Health 101’ Slated at Cooley Dickinson Hospital

NORTHAMPTON — In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cooley Dickinson Health Care will present a free talk on Breast Health on Oct. 5 at 6 pm, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, featuring Dr. Michelle Helms, a general surgeon who joined Cooley Dickinson Medical Group’s General Surgical Care practice in 2016, and a passionate promoter of breast health who will also be integrating her work into the new Breast Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Women and men in Northampton and surrounding communities are encouraged to attend this free lecture, titled Breast Health 101: Facts & Figures, which will cover most aspects of breast health and provide valuable information about breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment options.

• Did you know that Massachusetts has a breast cancer rate that’s 5{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} above the national average, and that Hampshire County has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the state?
• Do you know where to go to get a mammogram, or what you should watch for if you have a history of breast cancer in your family?
• What about those BRCA genes you’ve heard about?

The talk will be relaxed and presented in a comfortable, community atmosphere that encourages honest questions and aims to encourage proactive prevention and educate above all else. Helms is an experienced, spirited lecturer whose delivery is both passionate and personal, and whose knowledge on the topics of breast health and breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is extensive. Light refreshments will be served during the event, and (though the event is free) registration is required as seating is limited. To register, call (888) 554-4CDH (4234) or visit https://www.cooleydickinson.org/events/breast-health-101/