By Tufts Medicine Lowell General Hospital Media Relations Team
This is the start of a new column being written by the Tufts Medicine Lowell General Hospital Media Relations Team in conjunction with local doctors to highlight some of the latest issues in health care today. In today’s column, hospital staff have done a question-and-answer session with Dr. Anasuya Gunturi, chief of Oncology, Lowell General Hospital on the incidence of cancer in the Lowell area and the need to be screened.
Dr. Anasuya Gunturi, chief of Oncology at Lowell General Hospital, has agreed to participate in this question-and-answer session about the local incidence of cancer and what can be done about it.
Q: Dr. Gunturi, as a breast health specialist and medical director of the Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center, you see firsthand the impact of breast cancer in our community. At what age should women begin mammograms, and what warning signs should we watch for between screenings?
A: Women should begin annual mammograms at age 40, though those with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Between screenings, watch for lumps, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge or skin dimpling. However, the whole point of screening is catching cancer before you feel anything wrong. Just because you feel fine doesn’t mean there isn’t a small cancer potentially brewing. Early detection through screening gives us the best chance to cure you before any real damage occurs. If you notice warning signs, call your doctor immediately, don’t wait for your annual check-up.
Q: The 2025 Greater Lowell Community Health Needs Assessment, conducted by the Greater Lowell Health Alliance in collaboration with Lowell General Hospital, shows Asian residents have the lowest cancer screening rates in Massachusetts, while Black women face higher mortality rates once diagnosed. What’s driving these disparities?
A: These represent different challenges. Cancer accounts for 19.9% of all deaths in Greater Lowell. Black women often have more aggressive forms of breast cancer, contributing to poorer outcomes. Regular screening is critical to catching cancer early for this group especially.
With Asian populations, I see significant cultural barriers. Many patients are hesitant to discuss symptoms related to breasts or gynecological issues. There’s also strong faith in natural remedies recommended by family elders. The biggest challenge is the screening concept itself. I’m often told, “Why do I need this test? I feel fine.” In their countries of origin, healthcare resources were historically limited — you went to the doctor when sick, not for preventive screening. There’s a disconnect between those cultural norms and the preventive care pathways we encourage here. I spend considerable time explaining that screening catches cancer early, before symptoms appear, when we have the best chance of curing it.
Q: What resources are available for women facing cost, transportation or language barriers to screening?
A: At Lowell General Hospital, we’re committed to ensuring everyone receives the care they need. Thanks to community generosity, Lowell General Hospital’s TeamWalk for CancerCare raises money every year for this purpose. Some of the money raised allows us to provide transportation assistance for patients without other means to reach appointments. The annual TeamWalk is coming up on Sunday, May 3. We also partnered with the Ellie Fund, contributing $45,000 for Equitable Pathways to Breast Cancer Care. Programs like the Women’s Health Network also offer resources to provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings to those who qualify.
We have excellent interpreter services throughout Lowell General Hospital, providing interpretation in virtually any language — whether in person or with the touch of a button. Our nurse navigators are invaluable for patients experiencing multiple barriers. When diagnosed with cancer, patients face numerous appointments, biopsies and blood work. Navigators call regularly, ensure patients know what to expect at appointments and follow up to confirm they understand their doctor’s recommendations.
Q: What do you want everyone in Greater Lowell to know about breast cancer and early detection?
A: Early detection can literally save your life. Breast cancer is one of the most highly curable cancers when caught early. I understand fear — nobody wants a cancer diagnosis. But if something’s there, finding it early means we have the best chance to cure it. Waiting for symptoms means more advanced cancer with lower cure rates. Your best defense is getting a screening mammogram every year to catch subtle changes early.
Don’t let fear, cost, transportation or language barriers stop you. Take control of your health, advocate for yourself and schedule your mammogram. The resources are here at Lowell General Hospital to support you every step of the way.
Eye on Health: Lowell General Hospital experts tackle the top health issues facing those living, working, and learning in Greater Lowell.
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