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With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bon Secours Surgical Specialists in Harbour View is helping fight back against the disease by sharing services they provide for those in need.

During a Wednesday, Oct. 16 interview, Bon Secours Surgical Specialist Kristine Meloche, PA-C had a chance to discuss what the hospital offers as an ACR (American College of Radiology) recognized comprehensive breast center for those in need of services.

“We offer mammograms, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy and bone density, and we can often see patients same day and do diagnostics often same day,” Meloche said. “We also offer genetic testing, and we can follow family members of people diagnosed with breast cancer as well. So we are very engaged in early intervention, early screening, and it’s really important to advocate for yourself, because we are seeing [an] increase in breast cancer in younger women. So we are happy to see women of any age.”

Meloche also notes that they have a radiologist that works with them closely to discuss with patients their findings and further required imaging. On the earliest ages they’ve seen women with breast cancer, Meloche says they have seen individuals in their “early 20s, early 30s.” On the earliest age to receive a breast cancer screening, Meloche says family history is a key factor.

“It’s really important for people to advocate for themselves and to really discuss their family history with their direct family to see what types of cancers and conditions are occurring in our family,” Meloche says. “…Generally, we recommend that women with any type of breast cancer follow up with our primary care provider, or they can reach out to us and we’re happy to provide them with resources to get in connection with the correct provider to have these concerns evaluated,” she said.

Meloche discussed early signs one should be aware of, such as skin changes.

“This can be a change in the skin texture, the consistency. This can be changes in appearance. There is nipple drainage that can occur and they can have a change in size,” she said. “Someone can feel a lump within their breasts during examination, and so any of these changes should definitely be evaluated by a medical professional and appropriate imaging can be ordered.”

Meloche says the hospital as a practice is very involved with a patient’s care following their breast cancer diagnosis, which provides opportunities for long term bonds built throughout their recovery. Likewise, she shares being inspired by her own friends who have been affected by the disease in the work she does.

“My biggest piece of advice as a woman is to listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and if something doesn’t feel right or seem right, advocate and find somebody that will help you through this process,” she said.

For more information, go to bonsecours.com.