News – Sheridan Media
Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Director of Philanthropy Liz Dearcorn and Mammography Technologist Keshia Strauch are encouraging residents to mark their calendars for Friday, Oct. 18.
October is recognized nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and National Mammography Day is observed each year on the third Friday of October.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 240,000 women and 2,100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States each year. About 42,000 women and 500 men die annually from the disease.
Strauch explained that breast cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stages, when it is most treatable. She said many cancers are detected during routine mammograms before symptoms appear. She also encouraged patients experiencing certain symptoms to schedule a mammogram.
K. Strauch
Strauch added that screening recommendations have changed. Women with an average risk should begin annual mammograms between ages 40 and 45 and continue through age 54. After that, women may switch to every two years or continue yearly screening. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening from age 45, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests screening every two years between ages 40 and 74.
Dearcorn emphasized that Sheridan Memorial Hospital makes patient comfort a priority, with local access to screening and fast results reducing the need to travel out of town for care.
L. Dearcorn
The Welch Cancer Center plays a pivotal role in cancer care and healing for Sheridan County. Funds raised through The Link help support its services, equipment, and patient comfort programs.
On Friday, Oct. 18, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation will host The Link — Partners in Pink Run/Walk. The annual event raises funds to support cancer care at the Welch Cancer Center and honors patients, survivors, and families in the community.
Sheridan Media will share more information about this vital community fundraiser in future stories.
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Last modified: September 16, 2025