Hunterdon Breast Surgery Center celebrates cancer survivors, encourages annual screenings
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but at the Hunterdon Breast Surgery Center, the celebration of survivors happens every day.
Recently, Kathryn Menscher earned a new and deeply meaningful title — cancer survivor — after completing her five-year follow-up with Dr. Jennifer Montes, MD, MPH, Breast Surgeon at the center.
Dr. Montes explained that all patients are followed for five years after treatment, and the milestone appointment marks a moment of celebration. “Each patient is celebrated with staff cheering, party horns blowing, a graduation pink tassel, and a goodie bag,” Dr. Montes said. Patients who consent also have their photo added to the center’s “graduation board,” honoring those who have completed their cancer journey.
The special celebration is one of many ways the Hunterdon Breast Surgery Center creates a supportive and uplifting environment for patients. The team continues to use October as a reminder for all women to schedule their annual mammogram — a critical step in detecting breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.
“The best protection is early detection,” the center said in a statement. “Help spread the word. Encourage your mother, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, co-workers, neighbors, and friends to schedule their mammogram.”
Breast Screening Guidelines for Women:
- Clinical breast exams every 1–3 years from ages 25–39, then annually from age 40.
- Begin annual mammograms at age 40.
- Monthly self-breast exams starting at age 18, a week after menstruation when hormones are lowest.
Women are encouraged to become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and to report any changes to their healthcare provider.
To schedule a mammogram, visit hhscheduling.org or call 908-237-4150.
