GREENSBURG — After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, local breast cancer survivor, Jenell Schroeder was able to take a victory lap back in May for the first time during the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Decatur County. Schroeder said that educating people and raising awareness were the primary motives for speaking during the Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) Bingo Bash for Cancer Cure on Friday, Oct. 21 at Greensburg Elementary School with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward cancer care packages for chemotherapy patients. She acknowledged thata spreading information and telling her story is essential for her as well.

“All through my journey of fighting the cancer, I felt more comfortable talking about it than not talking about it,” Schroeder said.

But Schroeder also wanted to focus on discussing a genetic mutation known as BRCA1. According to the National Cancer Institute, a woman’s risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer greatly increases if they have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. However, both men and women can test positive for the gene.

While genetic testing can be done, it should also be noted that each child of someone that tests positive for the genetic mutation has a 50 percent chance of inheriting it.

The National Cancer Institute also says that the Affordable Care Act considers genetic counseling and mutation testing for high-risk individuals covered due to it being a preventative service. Some companies may also offer free testing for those that do not have insurance and meet financial medical guidelines.

DCMH currently offers the genetic mutation testing through a partnership with Myriad.

Schroeder, who defeated breast cancer, discovered that the BRCA1 mutation had increased her odds to approximately 81 percent. Although she isn’t too familiar with the origin of the mutation in her family history, she knew it was imperative that her immediate family be tested. She later learned that her two daughters, her brother and niece all tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation.

“It’s just important that people are aware,” said Schroeder. According to the National Cancer Institute, enhanced screening, or risk reducing surgery removing at risk tissue including a mastectomy or removal of ovaries or fallopian tubes, and other options are steps some are taking preventatively.

Her story may have been a wake-up call for residents to be proactive in their health, but it was also one in which Jenell would remind everyone to find something to laugh or smile about every day, which is something she said she tried to do while battling cancer. And she remembers the day her hand was raised and what it was like to hear from her doctor that she was cancer-free.

“That afternoon I went out and I was taking a walk and I was looking at the blue skies and the beautiful trees and I thought, ‘Life is great.’ Every day is a good day, but some are better,” she said.

DCMH Marketing and Communications Manager Amy Shearer said that approximately 144 residents attended the Bingo Bash for Cancer Cure Spirit of Women event. They also were able to learn about statistics and information pertaining to breast cancer and scheduling regular mammograms.

At the end of the night, the Bingo Bash raised $2,020 for the care packages. However, Shearer said that the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County will match the total dollar for dollar, doubling the initial number and resulting in a $4,040 grand total.

“We were thrilled with the outcome,” Shearer said. “We’re looking forward to next year and making it bigger and better.”

Before Schroeder made her way to the podium to share her story of defeating the disease that affects the lives of so many across the globe, those in the audience learned that about one-in-eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Also, one-in-six breast cancers occur in women ages 40 to 49, and three-fourths of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

DCMH Radiography Supervisor Carol Blasdel also referenced the mammography assistance program offered by the local hospital – the Pink Ribbon Fund, which provides opportunities for annual mammograms and additional procedures for those that may not be able to afford them. As previously reported by the Daily News, the fund has been able to help 55 patients and provide 69 procedures.

You can find more statistics by visiting mammographysaveslives.org. Those interested in applying for the Pink Ribbon Fund are encouraged to call 812-663-1157 for more information.

Contact: Joshua Heath, 812-663-3111 x7401; joshua.heath@greensburgdailynews.com