(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A breast cancer surgeon at Stroger Hospital in Illinois says the death of actress and singer Olivia Newton-John serves as a reminder that regular mammograms are important.
Dr. Julie Wecsler, a breast oncology surgeon, said roughly one in every eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes, but notes there is a high survival rate.
Newton-John herself lived 30 years beyond her diagnosis before the recording artist died this week at the age of 73.
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Women with no family history of breast cancer should get annual mammograms starting at age 40, Wecsler said — earlier, if there is a history in their family.
She says successful research on breast cancer has led to genetic testing and more specialized care.
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