Blair Peacock
reporter

Health services put on a virtual presentation Oct. 21 helping people understand more about breast cancer.

Dr. Jeremy Ross, an oncologist in Fort Worth, hosted the presentation and outlined what breast cancer is all about.

”Breast cancer is very common,” he said. “What is the main risk factor for breast cancer? Being a woman.”

Students had many questions for Ross, mainly about risk.

NW administrative assistant Diane Alvarado asked if breastfeeding affects breast cancer risk. Ross answered yes, it would decrease the risk due to estrogen levels being lowered.

Ross said 12 out of every 100 women right now have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It’s something I think as a woman, she has to plan for,” Ross said.

Student Crystal Martz asked how the pandemic has impacted breast cancer screenings and diagnoses. Ross said there are more patients who have not been screened or diagnosed simply because of waiting too long to get an appointment. The pandemic impacts the health world in a whole different way now, but for some patients, it is important to not wait, he said.

“Mammograms save lives,” he said. “Remember, it is not always a lump. Just any change should make someone want to get screened.”

Students applauded Ross after the in-depth explanation of breast cancer and the number of resources that women and even men can use to help themselves or others.