The gathering brought
stakeholders and advocates together to map out a plan to increase the numbers of
Utah women who get regular mammograms.
The invitation-only event was held Thursday, November 8, at the Hilton
Salt Lake City Center. One of the goals of the conference was to join efforts to
overcome some of the barriers that keep women from getting screened. These include time limitations, the cost of
the screening, and not understanding the importance of
mammograms.
“Breast cancer will affect 1 in
every 8 women in this country,” said Lynne Nilson, UCCP Breast and Cervical
Cancer Program Manager. “By getting
mammograms, breast cancer can be found early.
This summit has brought together a stronger, united team of professionals
to uncover why women don’t get screened, and make a plan for changing their
thinking about mammography,” Nilson added.
Partners included
representatives from all major hospitals, local and state government, nonprofit
organizations, and members of the media. The Summit will educate about plans of
action through presentations from state and national experts and large and small
group discussions. The hope is that
participants were empowered to take action steps to promote breast cancer
screening in their own capacities.
Outspoken cancer advocates,
including KUTV2 news anchor Mary Nickles, were featured speakers. Nickels shared
her experience of getting a mammogram for a feature story through KUTV2
News. As a result, she was diagnosed
with breast cancer and has shared her story publicly through KUTV and other
venues.
“We wanted community leaders to
come together as one force to improve the number of women who receive this life
saving screening.” Lynne said, “We want to see women in Utah like Mary Nickels
taking steps to save their own lives,” she said.
Media Contact:
Sylinda Lee
Media
Coordinator
(W) 801-538-6829 (C)
435-760-0685
