Oklahoma City residents received a powerful reminder this October that breast cancer does not discriminate by age. C.J. Muse, a breast cancer survivor, joined Dr. Natalie Stratemeyer, medical director of the Breast Health Network at OU Health, to stress the importance of regular screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Early detection saves lives
“I don’t care how young you are, or how old you are. Breast cancer affects all ages,” Muse said, emphasizing that every woman should know her body and schedule routine mammograms.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers in women, second only to skin cancer. Dr. Stratemeyer explained that the average woman faces roughly a 10% lifetime risk, which is considered average. Women with a family history—especially first‑degree relatives—have a higher‑than‑average risk, but she warned that lack of family history is not a guarantee of safety.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that if no one in your family has ever had breast cancer, you don’t need screening,” she said. “Unfortunately, it’s actually more common for patients to develop breast cancer when they have no prior history.”
Local event offers free screenings
On Friday, Muse participated in a community event at the Album Quail Springs venue, where free mammogram services were provided. “This event is to highlight and remind everyone, all women, they need to have their mammogram and get checked every year,” she said.
For many women, the hardest step is simply making the appointment. OU Health officials are working to remove barriers, offering multiple options to cover the cost of mammograms. “We can absolutely get you in for any screening imaging you need. We want everyone in the state to be able to get this,” Dr. Stratemeyer added.
Survivor’s message of hope
Muse described her own diagnosis as a life‑changing shock, but also as a journey that is not impossible to overcome. “The journey is not a hard one, and it’s not the end of life necessarily,” she said, urging women to act promptly.
Both Muse and Dr. Stratemeyer called on families, churches, and community groups to spread the word, reinforcing that early detection through regular screenings remains the most effective tool against breast cancer.
How to get screened
Women in Oklahoma can call OU Health to schedule a mammogram or learn about mobile screening units that travel to various neighborhoods. The health system encourages anyone with questions or concerns to reach out, noting that early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
