Philadelphia Group Holds Breast Cancer Screening Event
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The American Cancer Society expects some 40,000 women to die of breast cancer this year.
But an event today in Philadelphia aims to reduce that number through early detection.
"This is Bebashi's fifth annual Breast Fest," said Shaina Mitchell, the Philadelphia-based black empowerment organization's breast cancer prevention specialist.
The event had a serious purpose, but that didn't mean it has to be serious.
"It's a free event," Mitchell says. "There'll be giveaways, free food, we're going to have performances, a Zumba instructor to get everyone pumpin'."
All that in addition to screenings conducted in the Fox Chase Cancer Center's mobile mammogram van.
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"I have a history of breast cancer in my family," notes Karen Newswine, who was among those attending. "I've been getting breast exams since the age of 35 and so far, thank God, they have been coming out negative. So every year I do sign up and I encourage my family, as well," she said.
The event runs until 5pm today at Rodeph Shalom synagogue, 615 North Broad Street. Some 200 women are expected to attend.
