CANTON -- Cancer experts representing St. Lawrence Health System providers will speak on the latest guidance for screening mammography and the latest treatments for breast cancer as part of a panel open to the public Thursday, Oct. 29, at The Club, 25 Court St., at 6:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and the event is free of charge. The event is open to medical providers and employees of Canton-Potsdam Hospital and Gouverneur Hospital as well as cancer survivors, their families, and members of the general public.

G. Michael Maresca, chief of radiology and medical staff, will lead the panel which will include radiation oncologist David A. Hauerstock, medical oncologist and breast cancer specialist Vel D. Matthews-Smith and surgeon Jay V. Dewell. The panelists will answer questions from the audience.

“We’re pleased to provide this event free of charge to our communities, and we’re holding it in Canton so people from Gouverneur and surrounding areas, Potsdam and surrounding areas, and the communities around Canton can attend,” he said. “To us, behind every breast there’s a woman with a life, and we want women and their loved ones to know all the facts about breast cancer, how to detect it, and how to treat it, so every woman has a better chance to lead the fullest life possible.”

Maresca said he hopes area medical staff will attend. He noted that primary care providers and others not directly involved in the treatment of breast cancer have a lot to do with encouraging women to get screening when necessary and in those situations which fit a woman’s health history and health status.

“I’m hoping more women will be encouraged to have an important conversation with their providers about breast cancer. That conversation is the key to survival,” said Maresca.

RSVP: 261-5930 extension 1126 or 1101