Mammogram van: Hair stylist credits screening for saving her life, is bringing it to others

View larger image Breast cancer survivor Carolyn Foyle is surrounded by ditty bags with pink ribbons that include breast cancer information. She’s distributing the bags to promote a mammogram screening outside her hair salon, Vivid Designs on East High Street in Woodstock, on Saturday. Rich Cooley/Daily Recommend This Print This Get E-mail News Alerts Buy Photos/Page Reprints * Breaking News If local news is breaking and you know about it: * Call Us: 800-296-5137 * E-mail Us * Upload Your Photos View larger image Foyle holds a scripture passage from Isaiah that is included with breast cancer information she’s distributing. Rich Cooley/Daily

By James Heffernan
jheffernan@nvdaily.com
WOODSTOCK -- Carolyn Foyle credits Rockingham Memorial Hospital's Mobile Health Services van for catching her breast cancer last summer and putting her on the road to remission.

"I didn't suspect anything," the 65-year-old salon owner said of that fateful day, having followed the American Cancer Society's recommendation that women get a yearly mammogram after the age of 40.

The early detection was key. The lump in Foyle's breast was small, and with radiation treatments the cancer was curable.

"That was a huge weight off my shoulders," she said.

Foyle underwent surgery followed by five weeks of radiation at RMH's Women's Center in Harrisonburg.

"I can't say enough about them," she said. "They're outstanding."

At Foyle's request, RMH's Mobile Health Services van, the first in the nation to be equipped with a full digital mammography unit, will return to the area on Saturday, stopping outside Vivid Hair Designs & Spa on East High Street as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The screening only takes about half an hour, she said. Residents are asked to call ahead for an appointment and bring a copy of their insurance card with them.

The mammogram van travels to Shenandoah County about once a month, but this weekend marks the first time it will appear in Woodstock.

Foyle urges all women, including those under 40 who believe they may have found a lump in their breast, to get tested.

"The unknown is more scary than having [the test] done," she said. "With the technology they have today, in most cases breast cancer is curable."

She recommends sticking with one health care provider, who will be able to compare a patient's X-rays over a period of time.

If breast cancer is detected early, 90 percent of women can be treated successfully, according to the American Cancer Society. In addition to screening mammography, ACS recommends an annual clinical examination and optional monthly self-exam for women over the age of 20.
As a hair stylist, Foyle is certified through ACS' "Look Good ... Feel Better" initiative, which helps cancer victims offset changes in their appearance from chemotherapy. 

"I've cut hair and cried right along with them," she said.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vivid Hair Designs is flush with pink ribbons both inside and out, and a portion of the salon's sales this month will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting the disease around the world.
Also, Foyle has created free gift bags for her clients with information on breast cancer, a card to hang in the shower illustrating how to perform a self-exam, and a matchbook filled with candy and inspirational messages.

The RMH Mobile Health Services Van will offer digital mammograms in the parking lot at 110 E. High St., Woodstock, on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 433-4641 to make an appointment.