For Ruth Overstreet a close call was all it took to remind her that routine mammograms save lives.

In 2024, Overstreet was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer, which is also known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

“I had no idea it was there,” she said. “I could not feel it at all.”

Like many, Overstreet had let her annual mammograms go for few years, even though she is a registered nurse by trade. Overstreet works as a House Supervisor at National Park Medical Center. In 2020 when the world shut down, Overstreet had gotten out of the habit of making her annual appointment. It wasn’t until 2024 when her doctor reminded her of their importance.

“I was at my yearly exam with my primary care physician, when she pointed out that it had been several years since I’d had a mammogram,” she said, adding that her doctor felt strongly about the need for her to stay current with screenings, especially given her family history.

“I knew she meant business. So, I called that day and scheduled my appointment.”

Overstreet said she was very glad she did make the appointment, because that is when they found her cancer. Following her diagnosis, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and is now doing well.

“I was really very blessed that we were able to catch it early,” she said, adding that as a nurse and having a family history, she should have known not to skip them.

Breast cancer claimed the life of Overstreet’s paternal grandmother at age of 58.

“This was the worst grief my father ever lived through, losing his mother at such a young age,” she said. “I was cautioned my entire life to keep a check for breast cancer.”

When asked if she had any advice for women who might be procrastinating mammograms, Overstreet emphasized their importances.

“Go today! I had no clue anything was wrong,” she said. “But now, I know for sure all the cancer is gone, and I can keep going on my adventures and keep coming back to do what God put me on earth to do—to be a nurse and care for people on their worst day.”

To schedule your mammogram, call The Breast Center at National Park Medical Center at 501.620.2360.