Unscheduled mammogram ends up saving local woman's life

by Cindy Ward (ward@wsbt.com)

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Carla Bice breast cancer Pink Pack Pals

Carla Bice (right) was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer two years ago when she took an unscheduled mammogram in place of a coworker who backed out at the last minute. (WSBT photo)

Story Created: Sep 22, 2008 at 2:41 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 22, 2008 at 4:15 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Breast exams can save lives. WSBT’s yearly campaign, Pink Pack Pals, reminds area women to do a monthly self-examination.

Another aid in early detection is mammograms. Two years ago Carla Bice, director of the Maura Brannick Health Center, took an unscheduled mammogram that saved her life.

The Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center’s Mobile Medical Unit visited the health clinic on Chapin Street where Bice worked. A co-worker who was originally scheduled to receive a mammogram backed out. Bice decided to take her place.

Results showed that Bice had early stage breast cancer.

"If it hadn't been for two things — the mobile medical unit being here and the girl at work changing her mind about getting her mammography — I might be far more advanced, my cancer might have been more advanced than what it was," said Bice.

She received seven weeks of radiation treatment and as a result has been cancer-free for two years. Bice no longer puts off taking care of her health.

We are our own best line of defense. That's why WSBT News has teamed up with Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center to invite you to become part of our Pink Pack.

Here's how it works:

You pick a friend to be your Pink Pack Pal. Then you request a Pink Pack.

You'll get a breast self-exam guide, a pen and a kitchen magnet — one for you and one for your Pink Pack Pal. We'll remind you on the 22nd of every month to call your Pink Pal and remind her to do her breast self-exam. And remember to do yours the same day. Early detection saves lives.

Become a member of the Pink Pack right away — it could save a life.

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