Breast cancer awareness month

(Left to right) Avonda Johnson, 436th Aerospace Medical Squadron, and Capt. Sherry Stigall, 436th Medical Operations Squadron, set up the breast cancer awareness month information booth Oct. 2 at the 436th Medical Group. The 436th Medical Group is working to increase awareness of breast cancer by encouraging annual mammograms and helping set up appointments for mammograms. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jason Minto)

436th Medical Group hosts breast cancer awareness month

Published Oct. 14, 2009
By Capt. Sherry Stigall
436th Medical Operations Squadron

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- One of the goals of the 436th Medical Group is to increase the number of women receiving their annual mammogram. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in American women, after skin cancer. A woman's chance of surviving breast cancer is greatly improved with early detection and treatment.

Regardless of age, all women should check their breasts for changes in appearance and sensitivity monthly, preferably seven to 10 days after menstruation. Women who no longer menstruate should check their breasts the first day of each month. If a patient has any breast symptoms or changes in your breast, or if breast cancer runs in their family, they should talk to a doctor. He or she may recommend that the patient have mammograms before 40 or more often than usual.

Please come out and visit our display at one of the following times and locations to receive a prescription for a mammogram (no referral required).

To learn more visit the following locations:

Oct. 9 - The Landings Club, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 16 - Commissary 9, a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 23 - Base Exchange, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 30 - 436th MDG, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.