October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by Lt. Col. Jennifer Snyder and Maj. Jolene Ainsworth
86th Medical Operations Squadron


According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of a woman having breast cancer some time in her life is about 1 in 8. 

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to learn of the services available to you for early breast cancer detection and treatment.  
The 86th Medical Group staff truly cares about your health and we encourage you to continue to perform monthly breast self exams.

For women 40 and over, continue to schedule your annual mammogram, or if you have a family history of breast cancer, schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss the need for a mammogram sooner.    

In an effort to spread breast cancer awareness, the 86th Medical Group, in conjunction with the 86th Services Squadron, is sponsoring a Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Family Fun Run/Walk at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. There is no pre-registration required. Participants should meet next to the tennis courts on the east side of the Ramstein Health and Wellness Center.

Lt. Col. Elizabeth Decker, chief nurse of the 86th Medical Group and women’s health nurse practitioner, will be the guest speaker for this event and will provide information regarding breast cancer prevention and what to do if you or someone you know finds a lump during a self-examination.

In addition to the fun run/walk, the 86th Medical Group will have a Breast Cancer “Tree of Remembrance.” The tree will be adorned with pink ribbons where you can write the name of a friend or loved one who has been affected by breast cancer. This tree will be available at the event and then transported to the clinic to be displayed during the month of October. Breast cancer written educational materials and informative DVDs will also be available. 

For questions concerning the upcoming fun/run walk in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, call Maj. Jolene Ainsworth at 479-2568 or Maj. Lisa Tauai  at 480-4292.

For more information on breast cancer, visit www.breastcancer.org.