Allen R. Smith, clinical director of radiography, far left, and Qiang Cao, assistant professor of radiography, top row at left, joined 18 of the approximately 70 members of the Penn College Medical Imaging Club for a photo following a Pink Out day. The club raised awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening and self-examination and raised $111 for Susan G. Komen.
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Medical Imaging Club raised awareness for breast cancer with its annual Pink Out on Oct. 29. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, club members and program faculty donned various hues of pink as they shared vital information about the importance of regular breast cancer screening.
Club president and radiography and pre-healthcare leadership & administration student Kelsey L. Bennett, of Hughesville, said medical imaging, such as mammography, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging, is used in the prevention of breast cancer, especially for those who are at a higher risk of developing the disease, since preventative screening can catch abnormalities early.
“As someone who is BRCA-1 positive, I advocate for education on preventative care,” Bennett said. “High-risk individuals do not always have access to health care due to their location or their socioeconomic status. I have the privilege of having a mother who is a nurse practitioner in oncology. She educated me and provided me with the resources I needed to be properly screened for my preventative care.”
Christine L. Eckenrod, director of the radiography program, said graduates of the program play a significant role in saving lives when it comes to breast cancer.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time of the year for the field of medical imaging,” Eckenrod said. “Early screening is done using mammography. Mammography is the only modality using ionizing radiation that is approved by the American Cancer Society as a screening tool. If patients have an abnormal mammogram, they may also need to undergo sonography or MRI of the breast. If breast cancer is found, patients will likely undergo radiation therapy treatments.”
The club, under the leadership of Bennett; Nikki Lytle, vice president; Maura Milhalka, secretary; Sophia Celement, treasurer; and Helene Riddles, events coordinator, planned the day’s events, which included an info table set up in the lobby of the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center, and a raffle.
The service event not only raised awareness and education about self-examination and the importance of screenings but also raised $111 for Susan G. Komen, an organization dedicated to investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.