‘Here @ Home’ devotes hour to breast cancer screenings, treatment and support products

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - WDBJ7’s “Here @ Home” dedicated its entire hour to breast cancer awareness, with information on screenings, treatment and mastectomy support products. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A breast cancer diagnosis comes with many unknowns for patients and their families.

Patient shares experience

Megan Jackson, a patient with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, joined the show to share her experience. Jackson also is a representative of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, known as VBCF. The organization works to empower Virginians affected by breast cancer through access, advocacy, education and community action.

Experts discuss exams and screenings

Alison Walker, a family nurse practitioner with the High Risk Breast Cancer Clinic at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, spoke about the importance of breast exams and screenings. She also addressed the key factors that place someone at high risk for developing breast cancer and the specific body changes people should watch for.

Medical experts from Carilion and Lewis-Gale Hospital also shared information about prevention and treatment options.

Second to Nature offers post-surgery products

Second to Nature also took part in the program. The business is a specialty boutique and durable medical equipment provider in Roanoke. It says it helps women feel comfortable and confident after breast cancer surgery.

Certified mastectomy fitters provide fittings for post-mastectomy and lumpectomy bras, breast prostheses, custom breast forms, swimwear and lymphedema compression garments, according to Second to Nature. The boutique has private fitting rooms.