An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Medical group gets personal about breast cancer awareness

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AFB, Fla. --  With four patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer in the last six weeks here, Tyndall's health clinic takes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and woman's health seriously. 

When people like Keri Haberstroh, military spouse, are diagnosed with cancer, they rely on the 325th Medical Group for the medical care and support they need. 

"When women are diagnosed, they will need to get as big of a support group they can," said Ms. Haberstroh. "Without a support group, you'll feel alone. Everyone's situation is different, but having a lot of people surrounding you and caring for you is the best thing in the world." 

It is the job of the registered nurse case manager, Alexis Wilson, to be the advocate and point of contact for patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Tyndall's clinic. 

"When they get diagnosed for the first time, it's traumatic and emotional so I help them go through the referral process and know their resources from a nursing point of view," said Ms. Wilson. "I inundate them with information so they can make decisions about their health care. Initially, I'll call a patient several times a day until they are on a treatment plan and have a nurse or oncologist set up for them." 

Information and resources on breast cancer is not just for those who have been diagnosed or just for distribution during awareness month, it is available to everyone, all the time. The 325th MDG supports its customer base with the information needed to stay healthy and helping women understand how to conduct self-examinations. The clinic also reminds women to get regular mammograms and seek out information on the Human Papiloma Virus immunization, which is now administered at the Tyndall clinic.
"The 325th MDG has purchased Gardasil, an HPV vaccine that can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer," said Maj. Lorraine Barton, women's health nurse practitioner. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best time to give this vaccine is in the 11 to 12 year-old age group, so we mailed out letters to the parents of all 12-year-old girls inviting them to get their daughters immunized with the three-doses in a six-month series." 

Ms. Haberstroh understands the need to be informed about preventive measures. She found her symptoms of breast cancer during a self examination at home. 

"Don't wait, get checked out immediately," said Ms. Wilson. "Cancer has affected a lot more women than we hear about. I once had a 'scare,' but I went to my doctor immediately. We are here to support each other." 

The 325th MDG provides more than prevention and medical support. The group looks for ways to provide emotional support, like supporting Ms. Haberstroh when she serves as a chairperson for an awareness walk downtown Oct. 21. Clinic staff will support her by walking beside her on the special day. 

The walk is just one of the many events held during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of the early detection of breast cancer through a nationwide educational campaign directed at the general public, state and federal governments, health care professionals, employers, and women of all ages and ethnic groups, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. 

Although it has been a year since Ms. Haberstroh has been diagnosed, she feels she continues to get support from Tyndall's clinic, in addition to her husband who joined a support group for spouses of women with breast cancer. 

"Every month a display focusing on a specific health topic can be found in the MDG lobby with free educational materials," said Major Kelli Lorenzo, 325th MDG health care intergrator. "Educational materials and counseling are available in all our clinics and through our community resources like the Bay County Health Department, American Cancer Society and pharmaceutical vendors. Tyndall's Health and Wellness center offers a variety of prevention related materials and classes like Sensible Weigh, Tobacco Cessation, Meal Management, Diabetes and Lower Your Blood Pressure classes." 

"So many personnel on base and their families are committed to participating in awareness efforts here," said Major Lorenzo. "It's great our military family is always there. They take care of their own."