Vermont Burlesque Festival

10/25/2026

From Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Department of Health, State of Vermont…

“In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are 3 things you can do for your breast health:

1. Discuss your breast cancer risk with your health care provider. People at average risk of breast cancer should get mammograms every 1 to 2 years beginning at age 40. Anyone with symptoms, other risk factors or a family history of breast cancer may need more frequent screenings starting at a younger age. That’s why Vermonters are encouraged to talk to their providers about their unique risk and screening needs.

2. Pay attention to what’s normal for your breasts. Call your provider if you notice any changes such as a lump, pain, rash, skin changes or discharge.

3. Don’t delay screenings. The You First program helps eligible Vermonters overcome barriers to getting breast cancer screenings, by covering costs, arranging rides to and from appointments and more. You First can even cover tests that happened up to 90 days before enrolling in the program.”

To learn more about You First or other options for reduced price mammograms, call 800-508-2222 or visit https://www.healthvermont.gov/wellness/you-first.

10/24/2026

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10/23/2026

10/22/2026

Breast cancer can happen to anyone. Early detection is key! It’s important to do regular self exams to check for any irregularities or changes in your breasts. Don’t forget to schedule yearly mammograms. 🎀

10/21/2026

Hi, I’m Karen, Associate Producer of the Vermont Burlesque Festival. I’d like to share my personal breast cancer story as an example of just how much of a difference early detection can make.

At the end of February 2021, I discovered a lump during a breast self-exam. Just one week later, I was diagnosed with an aggressive, hormone-fueled breast cancer.

One of the hardest things to look back on is that I was unable to get a mammogram in 2020 because of COVID-related shutdowns. I can’t help but wonder how different my journey might have been if I’d been able to get that annual screening. Perhaps my cancer could have been detected earlier, and I might have been a candidate for a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. I’ll never know for sure, but it’s a reminder of how important routine screenings and early detection can be.

Three weeks after my diagnosis, I underwent a six-hour mastectomy with preparations for reconstruction. The first three lymph nodes tested positive for cancer, which meant I had to return to surgery a couple of weeks later for an axillary lymph node dissection, where 11 additional lymph nodes were removed and tested. Thankfully, all 11 came back negative.

Three months after my mastectomy, I underwent four months of chemotherapy, followed by 25 rounds of radiation.

What started with a lump I discovered myself became a life-changing journey that taught me just how important it is to know your body, pay attention to changes, and advocate for your own health. Early detection matters. Routine screenings matter. And listening to your body matters.

I’m sharing my story because breast cancer can affect anyone, and I hope my experience encourages others to prioritize their breast health, keep up with recommended screenings, perform breast self-awareness checks, and speak with their healthcare providers about any changes or concerns.

Please don’t put off your screenings. Your health is worth making the time for. ❤️

10/20/2026

From Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Department of Health, State of Vermont…

“In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are 3 things you can do for your breast health:

1. Discuss your breast cancer risk with your health care provider. People at average risk of breast cancer should get mammograms every 1 to 2 years beginning at age 40. Anyone with symptoms, other risk factors or a family history of breast cancer may need more frequent screenings starting at a younger age. That’s why Vermonters are encouraged to talk to their providers about their unique risk and screening needs.

2. Pay attention to what’s normal for your breasts. Call your provider if you notice any changes such as a lump, pain, rash, skin changes or discharge.

3. Don’t delay screenings. The You First program helps eligible Vermonters overcome barriers to getting breast cancer screenings, by covering costs, arranging rides to and from appointments and more. You First can even cover tests that happened up to 90 days before enrolling in the program.”

To learn more about You First or other options for reduced price mammograms, call 800-508-2222 or visit https://www.healthvermont.gov/wellness/you-first.

10/19/2026

Early detection is key! It’s important to do regular self exams to check for any irregularities or changes in your breasts. Don’t forget to schedule yearly mammograms. 🎀

10/18/2026

Have you scheduled your yearly mammogram yet? Early detection can mean the difference between a small lumpectomy vs double mastectomy and chemo/radiation. Knowledge is power. 🌸

10/17/2026

Early detection saves lives. Pay attention to any changes in your body, and tell your doctor right away. Schedule your yearly mammogram if you haven’t already. 🎀