Clive, Iowa – On October 2, MercyOne Katzmann Breast Care welcomed community members to an open house celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event gave women the chance to meet breast‑health providers, learn about early‑detection strategies, and receive on‑site mammograms.
Early detection emphasized by surgeons
Attendees listened to surgeon Susan Beck, who explained that advances in imaging technology allow doctors to spot concerning areas even sooner. “We know that early detection is so important, and as we come into the field of AI and finding some of these concerning areas, mammographically, even sooner, we can do a lot of preparation,” Beck said.
Statewide breast‑cancer statistics
The Iowa Cancer Registry reports that breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among Iowans, with an estimated 3,050 new diagnoses expected this year. The disease accounts for 14.1 % of all new cancer cases in the state, and the registry projects roughly 380 breast‑cancer deaths in 2026. Despite these numbers, breast cancer also has the highest survivor rate of any cancer type in Iowa, underscoring the life‑saving impact of early screening.
Community impact
Women who visited the open house left with personalized recommendations for routine check‑ups and follow‑up appointments. Many expressed gratitude for the convenience of receiving a mammogram during the event, noting that the opportunity removed barriers such as scheduling conflicts and transportation challenges.
Local health advocates highlighted the importance of community‑based outreach. “When we bring services directly to neighborhoods like Clive, we empower families to take charge of their health,” said a representative from the Iowa Breast Cancer Coalition, who was also present at the event.
Looking ahead
MercyOne plans to continue offering similar open‑house events throughout the state, aiming to increase screening rates and reduce the number of late‑stage diagnoses. The organization encourages all eligible women to schedule regular mammograms, especially during the annual awareness month, to maintain the positive trend of early detection and improved survival outcomes.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
