Sarah Shelander
Editor

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign for this month encourages the education of the public about breast cancer and routine checks people can do to catch breast cancer early. Breast cancer accounts for 30% of all new female cancers each year, the median age at the time of diagnosis is 63 years old though breast cancer can occur earlier too according to the American Cancer Society.

Watonwan County has 160 breast cancer survivors and Cottonwood County has 180 breast cancer survivors. Monica Hagen who is a breast cancer survivor and has ties in both counties is working with the American Cancer Society to spread awareness this month about breast cancer and annual exams.

“It’s a scary topic, nobody wants to hear you have cancer. Worst words in the world,” Hagen said. “It’s so important to get checked yearly cause that is your best chance of survival.”

Hagen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. A routine mammogram found something abnormal in the scan, she then went in for a diagnostic mammogram and then a biopsy. Her treatment plan was a lumpectomy to remove the cancer, she had two of those surgeries, then she had four rounds of chemotherapy, and now she is on a daily medication while in remission. The way Hagen symbolized a cancer diagnosis was like an onion but instead of peeling away the layers they are being added, you start with a diagnosis then you have to do multiple other things, like treatment, biopsies, and surgeries which can be multiple depending on the margins of the cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year, Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year, and Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health. They also encourage self-breast exams and women to be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and should report any changes to a health care provider right away.

Besides annual checks, support is a need for anyone who is diagnosed with cancer. From the time of diagnosis to the time a person enters remission and the in-between and afterward, support is appreciated. Hagen mentioned a few forms of support she received during her cancer journey. The first was her mom and friend went with her to the appointment her cancer diagnosis was given, friends and family went with to her appointments to help her remember information that was discussed, then her friend Laura put on a luncheon for Hagen at her church, Hagen’s parents and friends all helped her by driving her to her appointments and chemotherapy, and she had high school friends reach out to her to show their support. She in turn showed her support to her mom when she was diagnosed with breast cancer this year, the same way she supported Hagen. Before her diagnosis, Hagen went to Relay for Lifes to show support for friends who fought cancer. Now she goes with her team Monica’s Warriors in support of her and others’ journeys.

“Having gone through it you understand how much easier it is with good support around you,” Hagen said. “I am so grateful for all the love and support I had.”