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Joint base recognizes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  • Published
  • 87th Medical Group
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. --  October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Health and Wellness Center's staff encourages women to become more aware of early detection methods of breast cancer.

Mammography rates have more than doubled for women ages 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined since the program began in 1985.

According to the HAWC, this is exciting progress. But, there are still women who do not take advantage of early detection at all and others who do not get mammogram screenings and clinical breast exams at regular intervals.

"If all women ages forty and older took advantage of early detection methods - mammography plus clinical breast exams - breast cancer death rates would drop much further, up to thirty percent," said Rebecca Rhodes, Health and Wellness Center flight chief. "The key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely. Once is not enough."

The Health and Wellness Center is sponsoring a "Tea for Women" event Oct. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m., in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. As participants enjoy an evening of tea and light refreshments, Dr. Maureen Kling from Virtua Memorial Hospital in Burlington, N.J., will help women become more aware of breast cancer detection and prevention.

Dr. Kling is a board certified general surgeon who specializes in diseases of the breast and breast cancer surgery. Army Air Force Exchange Service cosmetic representatives will be on hand for free beauty makeovers. Space for this event is limited. Call the HAWC to register at 754-2462.

For more information about NBCAM, visit www.nbcam.org. For additional information, call one of the following toll free numbers: American Cancer Society, (800) 227-2345; National Cancer Institute, (800) 4-CANCER; Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, (800) 221-2141.

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month program is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Fifteen national public service organizations, professional association and government agencies comprise the Board of Sponsors, who work together to ensure the NBCAM message is heard by thousands of women and their families.