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Breast Cancer, Be Proactive not Reactive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Nine women have already been diagnosed at Tyndall Air Force Base this year, making the battle against breast cancer one of the 325th Medical Group personnel's highest priorities. According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. In 2008, more than 182,000 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer - 40,000 cases will be fatal. Yet breast cancer death rates are going down. Experts believe finding cancers earlier through screenings, and improved treatments are major contributors to improved long-term survival. 

"Breast cancer awareness is important because it fosters action and leads to early diagnosis and treatment," said Maj. Carolyn Calvin, 325th MDG woman's health nurse practitioner. "We provide breast cancer education and awareness during health care visits, by speaking at various functions around base, and through distribution of printed educational materials." 

At Tyndall more than 2,000 women are eligible for mammograms, said Maj. Kelli Lorenzo, 325th MDG Health Care Integrator. In general, depending on family history and risk factors, women over the age of 40 are recommended to have a mammogram screening every one to two years, with screening yearly after age 50.

Currently, 500 women enrolled for health care at Tyndall are past due for their mammogram screenings. "The American Cancer Society says the best protection is early detection," said Major Lorenzo. "If someone you love has not had a breast exam and/or mammogram, please encourage them to come in for these potentially life-saving screenings. 

October is also recognized as Women's Health Month and the Medical Group offers a variety of services to promote the health of our female population, including annual women's check-ups and Human Papilloma Virus vaccinations. 

As a preventive measure, woman should do monthly self-breast exams, said Major Calvin. Information about breast cancer awareness is available in the clinics at the Medical Group and also offered during health fairs and Retiree Appreciation Day.