Breast Cancer Survivor Advocates for Regular Mammograms

Huntsville, Alabama, October 8, 2025

News Summary

Crissi Patterson, a medical records technician and breast cancer survivor, is on a mission to raise awareness about the importance of regular mammograms. Following her own shocking diagnosis of localized breast cancer, Patterson emphasizes early detection through screenings, urging others to prioritize their health. With support from her family and community, she has made significant lifestyle changes and now encourages women to not overlook the importance of regular check-ups, highlighting her experience as a testament to the necessity of awareness and advocacy.

Huntsville, Alabama – Crissi Patterson, a dedicated medical records technician at Fox Army Health Center and a breast cancer survivor, is making it her mission to raise awareness about the importance of regular mammograms. Her own experience with breast cancer has motivated her to advocate for screenings, aiming to help others avoid her fate.

Patterson had been diligent about her health, keeping up with annual OB GYN examinations and receiving a baseline mammogram at age 39. However, due to a lack of family history of breast cancer, she believed she was not at risk and stopped going for regular screenings. This would change dramatically in 2018 when a clinical breast examination during a routine visit uncovered a lump that Patterson had not noticed.

Following the discovery of the lump, Patterson underwent several medical evaluations, including a mammogram, a bilateral MRI, and an ultrasound-guided biopsy. The biopsy results confirmed localized breast cancer that had not spread to her lymph nodes, marking the diagnosis as stage 1 breast cancer. Patterson reflected on this diagnosis as a shocking and unbelievable moment in her life.

In the aftermath of her diagnosis, Patterson benefitted from a robust support network consisting of co-workers, family, and her church community. Within a month, she underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor. Post-surgery, she completed a course of six weeks of radiation therapy and began a 10-year treatment regimen of hormonal therapy. Initially, her treatment included tamoxifen for seven years, and she is currently taking anastrozole for three years.

Patterson has been a patient at Southern Cancer Center for nearly two years and attributes her current health to the lessons learned from her experience. She believes that had she continued with regular mammograms, her cancer might have been diagnosed earlier, ultimately reducing the severity and treatment required.

As a passionate advocate for women’s health, Patterson encourages individuals not to take their health for granted, especially those without a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. She has made lifestyle changes since her diagnosis, such as reducing sugar intake and incorporating more exercise into her daily routine. Although she is now over seven years cancer-free, Patterson still experiences anxiety during mammogram appointments.

Patterson emphasizes the importance of early detection and screening, advising her 14-year-old daughter to begin getting mammograms at age 34 based on her own experience. Her family has been a pillar of strength throughout her journey, including her husband, Scott Patterson, a Marine Corps veteran, along with their children providing significant emotional support. Her co-workers united by wearing pink upon her return to work after surgery, displaying solidarity during her battle.

Moreover, Patterson has found solace in connecting with a supportive network of women who have faced similar challenges, highlighting the commonality and significance of shared experiences in overcoming breast cancer. She continues to stress the importance of prioritizing regular screenings and encouraging one another on the path to health and wellness.

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Additional Resources

• The Redstone Rocket
• Wikipedia: Mammogram
• AL.com
• Google Search: Breast Cancer Awareness
• The Madison Record
• Google Scholar: Breast Cancer Screening
• 256 Today
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Breast Cancer

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.