MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- It’s that time of year again where “pink” is everywhere as a call of support for the education and awareness of breast cancer.
One way the military community can support National Breast Cancer awareness month this October is by participating in Marine Corps Community Services’ 5th Annual “Make a Difference” walk and informational wellness exposition at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Oct. 17.
The free event honors those affected by breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the third most common cancer among TRICARE beneficiaries and the second leading cause of cancer death in women, with one in eight suffering from the disease.
At health promotions pink ribbons will be available throughout the month, as well as information-filled baskets set throughout the air station.
The American Cancer Society Web site, www.cancer.org, offers many informational resources for volunteering, donating, participating and advocating to lawmakers to support the cause on a local, state or national level.
Although education, support and awareness are great ways to get involved, the best way to support the fight is a little more personal, explained Libby McDonnell, a registered nurse and patient health coordinator at the Breast Health Center at Naval Medical Center San Diego.
“The biggest thing you can do is take care of yourself,” said McDonnell.
Women over 20 should complete a breast self-exam on a monthly basis and women over 40 should get a yearly mammogram. Early detection is key in increasing the survival rates of this disease, according to the American Cancer Society.
To aid in early detection, the Women’s Wellness Clinic at the Branch Medical Clinic offers breast self exam counseling for one-on-one instruction and the Naval Medical Centers Breast Health Clinic offers walk-in mammograms for women over 40.
TRICARE covers annual mammograms, as well as annual clinical breast exams for all military dependents.
The Breast Health Center also offers a monthly class to help determine a woman’s personal risk for developing breast cancer, and discusses risk reduction and genetic testing.
The exact cause of breast cancer is “the million dollar question,” explained McDonnell, but looking out for warning signs and self detection can be the most important part of fighting the disease. The pink ribbon, pink shoe or pink magnet will serve as a reminder of these important tasks throughout the month of October. For many it could set a lifetime habit of self-detection, which is “the most important part,” according to McDonnell.
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