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Flathead residents urged to get checked for breast cancer

Posted at 9:00 AM, Oct 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-12 11:03:37-04

KALISPELL – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and data shows the earlier breast cancer is detected the more success there is at treating it.

Monthly checks and yearly mammograms can save lives and doctors in the Flathead are urging folks to get screened.

“Over 250,000 women in the US every year are affected by breast cancer. In the Flathead Valley, we are no different,” said Dr. Melissa Hulvat an oncoligoist at Kalispell Regional Medical C.enter

“It doesn’t spare anyone — you can be rich or poor, urban or rural. Breast cancer is a very prevalent disease which is why we are very proud that we can treat most women with breast cancer right here in their own hometown,” Dr. Hulvat added.

Dr. Hulvat says 170 women with breast cancer were treated in the Flathead Valley last year at KRMC’s Bass Breast Center. She says they see patients come from across the region from Great Falls to Libby to Eureka.

The American Cancer Society reports that breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. But the disease also affects men with about 2,000 will be diagnosed in the United States this year.

Thanks to the Save a Sister program in the Flathead Valley, anyone in need of breast cancer screening services will not be not turned away.

The cutting edge cancer screening program on the forefront in breast cancer research prevention and treatment is available in the Valley to help diagnose breast cancer earlier before it has spread to treat it more aggressively and even prevent breast cancer.

The program is available thanks to a Halt Cancer at X community grant in 2016. Halt Cancer at X is dedicated to supporting national cancer research along with local programs.

The group accepts donations year-round to aid local outreach efforts and national breast cancer research, but has also gotten the eventing community involved in the cause.

Parking donations, competitor pledges and auction proceeds from The Event at Rebecca Farm help support the Halt Cancer at X initiative and bring the horse world and Flathead Valley closer together.

This year’s Halt Cancer at X community grant winners will be announced later this month at the 2018 Halt Cancer at X Community Grant Celebration.