October 1, 2009, ST. LOUIS – New data from the American Cancer Society says death from breast cancer has dropped two percent a year since 1990.

A big reason? Greater awareness of early detection from not only education efforts, but the patients themselves.

“They are empowered by their diagnosis and are the biggest proponents of early screening, prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer,” says Julie Margenthaler, MD, breast surgeon at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.

“It’s difficult to measure the immense impact not only patients make in the awareness of the disease, but organizations like Komen as well,” she says. “Their efforts to educate others about early detection really helps.”

(For more information on breast cancer, listen to this podcast with Julie Margenthaler, MD)

As part of breast cancer awareness month in October, Dr. Margenthaler will talk Wednesday, October 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital for the free event “Saving the A’s, B’s, C’s and DD’s.” The focus will be on advances in treatment and the importance of early detection.

“Overall, if we can detect breast cancer at an early stage, it’s entirely curable and it’s very treatable,” says Dr. Margenthaler.

She says while women should do monthly breast self-exams, the number one way to prevent breast cancer is annual screening mammograms after age 40. Women at high risk should get screened earlier. Having a first degree relative such as a mother, sister or daughter that had breast cancer or having a genetic risk such as the BRCA mutation puts people in a high risk category.

“Breast cancer is a very treatable disease,” says Dr. Margenthaler. “Almost everyone can tell you they’ve had a personal impact by breast cancer and while it’s a frightening disease, we have so much support and research out there we can treat it.”

Terence Myckatyn, MD and Marissa Tenenbaum, MD, Washington University plastic and reconstructive surgeons will join Dr. Margenthaler at the Oct. 21 event. For more information or to register, call 314-542-WEST (9378).