Federal Way’s Breast Diagnostic Center to celebrate breast cancer awareness

Published 1:29 pm Tuesday, September 15, 2015

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws near, Breast Diagnostic Center is finalizing plans to dedicate October to inspiring women to take charge of their health while supporting a local non-profit.

Empowered for Life: Women Standing Up for Early Detection is a month-long event created to educate women on the value of annual mammograms beginning at age 40, and raise awareness for the importance of early breast cancer detection.

This theme is not just an annual message at Breast Diagnostic, which opened in 1980. Doctors Tim Blackwelder and Mike Ulissey reiterate the critical importance of early detection on a regular basis; both doctors speak to community organizations and business groups as part of the company’s education and outreach program.

“Early detection saves lives. Yearly mammograms save more lives,” Ulissey said.

Breast Diagnostic was the first center in the region to offer 3D mammography to all patients and leads the industry in patient-focused care.

Empowered for Life runs Oct. 1-31 at Breast Diagnostic’s Federal Way and Auburn offices. Patients who come in for any exam during the month will be entered to win a prize for taking a proactive approach to health.

Additionally, paper dolls will be available for purchase to either honor or remember a loved one who has faced breast cancer. Paper dolls are $1 to display in a Breast Diagnostic office or $5 for a feature on the company’s website and social media channels. All proceeds will be donated to Valley Girls and Guys.

Located in Ravensdale, Valley Girls and Guys is now the largest Susan G. Komen three-day team in the country, with participation from members in Washington, California and Minnesota. The group has grown into an independent non-profit providing cancer patients with blankets and other support services, regardless of diagnosis. Valley is currently working on Who House, which will provide respite for patients, families and caregivers.

Everyone is welcome to stop into either Breast Diagnostic location and purchase a paper doll.

Breast Diagnostic’s Federal Way facility is located inside the Omni Building at 909 S. 336th St., Suite B-101 and the Auburn office is in the East Main Professional Building at 1268 E. Main St., Suite 1.

For more information, visit www.breastdiagnostic.com or call 253-735-1991. To learn more about Valley Girls & Guys, visit www.valleygirlsandguys.com.