October 1 marks the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point (NHCCP), is doing its part to fight this horrific cancer by conducting several educational events.

According to Michelle Miller, NHCCP Breast Cancer Coordinator, statistics show one in eight U.S women (slightly more than 12 percent) will develop invasive breast cancer during the course of their lifetime, and approximately 2,000 cases per year will be diagnosed in men. Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being female and aging.

"It's important to note the 12 percent number is for women without a family history or genetic marker," Miller said. "The chances of a woman with a family history of breast cancer developing the disease increases significantly to 20 to 30 percent. And, if a woman has the BRCA gene, the odds increase to 60 to 87 percent."

To raise awareness, NHCCP staff will kick of Breast Cancer Awareness month with an opening ceremony featuring guest speaker Heather Faircloth who is currently battling the disease.

"Heather is only 37 years old, doesn't drink or smoke and exercises regularly, " Miller said. "She was told she didn't have breast cancer but she knew something was not right. She persisted and found out she had invasive cancer and is now fighting the disease. We're honored to have her speaking about her battle."

The clinic is also offering a number of walk-in mammogram appointments each Wednesday throughout the month and is sponsoring a 5K Pink Paint Run Oct. 9.

Additionally, the front entrance of the clinic will display the Ribbon tree, a white tree which NHCCP staff and patients can decorate with two distinct pink ribbons: one ribbon in honor of someone battling breast cancer or has survived the disease, the other ribbons will be hung in memory of someone who has lost their battle.

"The tree is usually covered with ribbons in a matter of days," Miller said.

The color pink has become the symbol of breast cancer and the Pink Sisterhood continues to grow. This unique force of survivors and family members advocate for one another, environmental issues that influence cancer, and for advancing health.



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