INDIANAPOLIS — It was a family day at Disney when Suzanne Engle got the unexpected news: she had breast cancer. In the happiest place on earth, Engle kept the diagnosis to herself, not wanting to ruin the vacation. But now, after treatment, Engle has a powerful message to share.
"Run, don't walk. It’s so important to get that mammogram," Engle said.
Engle, a three-time breast cancer survivor, knows the importance of early detection. She’s faced two occurrences on her right side and another invasive cancer on her left side. She recalls the moment she received her diagnosis.
"When she told me, 'You have cancer,' it was difficult to hear," Engle said.
But once she processed the news, Engle acted quickly, undergoing surgery and radiation. She also took a stand against cancer by creating "Broad Ripple Broads and Dudes," a fundraising team that has consistently topped charts at the Susan G. Komen "More than Pink Walk." This year, they raised nearly $27,000.
"It takes a lot of money to fund research," Engle said.
With four sisters, one daughter, and five granddaughters, Suzanne hopes for a cancer-free future for her family. Despite breast cancer running in her family, Dr. Kristen Govert, a breast surgeon at Ascension St. Vincent, says most newly diagnosed patients do not have a family history.
"Three out of four women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. So, it’s crucial to get your mammogram, even if you don’t have a family history," Govert said.
She adds that, while self-breast exams are important, an annual mammogram for women 40 and older is the gold standard for early detection.
It's a message Engle shares often.
"Honestly, there’s no reason not to have one, and it can save your life," Engle said.
If you are 40+ and haven’t had a mammogram in the last 12 months, you qualify to schedule a mammogram with Check Up 13 this month. If cost or insurance is a concern, talk with the Check Up 13 Team, by calling the hotline by the end of the late WTHR-13 news on Sunday, Oct. 13.
