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The mammogram that made all the difference: A Staten Island survivor’s message to women
SILive.com • • health
Key Points:
- Jennifer Belford, a Staten Island resident, was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram, highlighting the importance of regular screenings in early detection and treatment.
- Staten Island has the highest incidence rate of female breast cancer in New York City, with 143.9 cases per 100,000 people annually, surpassing both city and state averages.
- Belford’s cancer was initially detected as Stage 0 DCIS but later found to be Stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer, a form that does not respond to hormone or HER2-targeted therapies.
- Her treatment included surgery, radiation, and ongoing mammograms, with an emphasis on self-advocacy, emotional support, and mental health care throughout survivorship.
- Belford urges others to prioritize annual mammograms and health advocacy, stressing that early detection can significantly impact outcomes and save lives.
