SVMC's Wellness & Care Connection: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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October 2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to educate yourself and loved ones on preventative screenings, risk and regional health and support services.

Mammograms 101: A first-timer's guide

 

Preparing for your first screening mammogram, like any medical appointment, can be intimidating. The experts at SVMC's Breast Health & Imaging Center explain what you can expect and how you can prepare during your first appointment.

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Dense breast tissue

 

Dr. Julie DiSano explains breast density and why it factors into risk.

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Do you know the signs?

 

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

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Healing in the Skies

 

Julie Case, an SVMC employee who receives treatment at the Dartmouth Cancer Center Bennington, shared her incredible story with NewsChannel 13 recently.

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Free event in Williamstown

 

SVMC is hosting "Navigating Your Cancer Journey," on Oct. 23 at the Milne Public Library. For anyone with a diagnosis or anyone who cares for someone with cancer.

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What Our Patients Say

 

We're sharing direct feedback, (pictured below) collected from patient satisfaction surveys. SVMC and its practice sites always strive to enhance the experience of our patients and families. If you need to discuss your patient experience, contact SVMC's patient advocate.

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OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS:

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?Southwestern Vermont Medical Center svmc.org

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If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Companion Corner: Lucy at Second Chance Animal Shelter

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, Vt. — There is an excited and energetic pup looking for her new family.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Lucy is nearly 2 years old. She is a heeler/terrier mix with energy to spare. She has been at the Second Chance Animal Shelter since the summer.

We highlighted Lucy in June, but she is still looking for her forever family.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to her.

"She is a very energetic girl. She loves to play, and as you can see, she came to us from animal control," she said. 

Lucy was not in a great situation before coming to the shelter and they are still trying to learn more about her.

"They had seized her from a pretty neglectful situation. She was actually technically abandoned. She just came to us this last month, so she's still showing us all of her energy she has," Lasher said.

Lucy is able to go home with a dog-savvy cat and older children as she can be a bit jumpy with her bounds of energy.

"The perfect home for her is one that is able to give her a ton of attention and a ton of time playing, she loves her time outside," said Lasher. "She can run forever and not get tired. She can possibly live with another dog who is used to more of a pushy play style. She can be a little pushy when she plays, just because she's so hyper."

Since she is young, she is still learning and training with the staff and might need more with someone who takes her home.

"To the best of our knowledge, she's just a healthy young girl, because she's only a year and a half old, she still got a little bit of learning and training that she could use."

But Lucy is always happy to see anyone and immediately wants to play and say hi. Her endless energy makes her a great companion to play outside with and then hang out after a long day of fun.

"She's just a super sweet girl again. She'll need some help with the training, but as long as you've got time to burn out her energy, she'll make a great family dog," she said.

If you think Lucy might be the girl for you, reach out to Second Chance Animal Shelter and learn more about her on their website.

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