Mercy gynecologists and obstetricians strive to help women of all ages

October is traditionally known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and rightfully so.

Battling breast cancer often drains women of their strength and spirit. The pink awareness ribbon offers inspiration to those in the midst of their journey as well as those celebrating their progress and recovery. At the same time, it reminds everyone to pause in silence for women and men who fought to survive. Ultimately, the month-long awareness is motivation for everyone to take preventative action with their own health.

Having grown up in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Mendy Mack has a deep appreciation for preventative care. She witnessed the challenges that her community faced with limited medical access. As a result, many suffered from advanced symptoms and diseases. Mack believes that knowledge is power, so she stresses the importance of patient education and regular screenings.

A few important breast health screenings include the following: mammograms, breast self-exams, clinical exams and knowledge of maternal and paternal family history. The American Cancer Society recommends mammograms annually starting at age 40 for women of routine risk. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer may need to start screenings earlier. They should discuss the plan of action with their physician.

Mammograms are important because they can find areas of concern in the breast before it can be felt. Mammography is an effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer. Early diagnosis typically has a better prognosis and outcome. Women should know what is normal for them. NOticeable lumps, change in appearance of the breast, dimpling, change in color, skin thickening, nipple discharge, change in the vein pattern on the chest, the breasts not moving symmetrically – these changes need to be reported to a physician.

Having both maternal and paternal family history is extremely helpful. Knowing the family history can help determine risk for different cancers. If someone is considered to be at high risk based on family history and other known risk factors, a physician may discuss screening for possible genetic mutations, starting earlier screenings, more frequent screenings, and/or using additional screening methods.

Addressing all of a patient’s concerns – both physical and emotional – is a top priority in healthcare today.

“So much goes through your mind when things aren’t right all of that needs to be taken into consideration when providing care,” Mack said.

Mack is in practice with Mercy Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology in Rogers. Each provider on the Mercy team tailors their diagnostic and therapeutic approach to meeting the individual needs of their patients.

In recent years, the month-long acknowledgement of breast cancer has expanded to include overall women’s health. Annual check-ups, routine screenings, regulating hormones, and mother-baby services represent types of care that fall under the umbrella of women’s health.

Mercy gynecologists and obstetricians strive to help women of all ages, from adolescence to menopause and beyond, deal with challenges and opportunities that each stage of life may present.

Those who want to schedule an appointment with Mack or any of her colleagues can call ( 479) 338- 4000, ( 479) 338- 4646, or visit

mercy. net/ nwa.