Eye on Health: Breast cancer survivor describes life-saving power of annual mammograms

Twenty years ago, Monica Santa’s life changed forever with a phone call.

“I think about it every year when it comes along,” she recounts, her voice filled with emotion. She’s describing the moment she learned she had breast cancer.

WSBT delves into Monica’s unexpected diagnosis and the critical role of annual mammograms in early detection in this month’s “Eye on Health.”

Despite no family history and no palpable lumps, a routine mammogram revealed the hidden threat.

Dr. Samir Patel, the Beacon radiologist who diagnosed Monica, presents compelling research: “If women got a mammogram every year, their risk of dying from breast cancer was reduced by 40 percent compared to women (who) went every other year.”

Hear more from Dr. Patel and about Monica’s touching journey from patient to volunteer.

Schedule your mammogram today

Mammography is the best tool for detecting early breast cancer. Annual mammograms starting at 40 have helped cut breast cancer deaths by more than 40 percent. Here is where you can find a Beacon location near you in Indiana and Michigan that offers breast cancer screenings. Schedule your mammogram today.