Health Departments in North Georgia Health District focus on Breast Cancer Awareness
Dalton (GA) - According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.
The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is almost 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36.
The good news is that breast cancer death rates have been going down. According to ACS officials, this is probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and better treatment. Right now there are more than 2½ million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, officials of the North Georgia Health District based in Dalton and health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties are reminding the public that early detection is key in the treatment of breast cancer.
The following breast cancer awareness activities are being held by the county health departments:
Cherokee County: On Tuesday, October 23, from 11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M., a Cherokee County Breast Cancer Awareness event will be held in the picnic area of the Woodstock Health Center at 7545 N. employee breast cancer survivors and a Zumba Fitness Demo. Call (770) 928-0133. Main Street. The requested attire is pink. Activities will include recognition of two
Fannin County: Health department staff is wearing pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and has a display in the health department lobby with a breast cancer awareness focus. Staff is working with their Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Program patients. The Fannin County Health Department is located at 95 Ouida Street in Blue Ridge. Call (706) 632-3023.
Gilmer County: Health department staff is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink and by providing information at the health department about breast cancer and early detection. The Gilmer County Health Department is located at 28 Southside Church Street in Ellijay and the phone number is (706) 635-4363.
Murray County: Chatsworth Mayor Dan Penland officially proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Chatsworth, and on Tuesday, October 30, health department staff will wear pink and will provide free breast exams at the clinic. . . Walk-ins are Welcome! The Murray County Health Department is open from 7:30 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Tuesdays and is located at 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road in Chatsworth. Call (706) 695-4585.
Pickens County: Health department staff is wearing pink to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is providing breast cancer and early detection information at the health department. The Pickens County Health Department is located at 60 Health Way in Jasper and the phone number is
(706) 253-2821.
Whitfield County: Health department staff is wearing pink and is providing breast cancer awareness information at the Whitfield County Health Department at 800 Professional Boulevard in Dalton. They will also provide breast cancer awareness materials at their booth at the Georgia Department of Labor Job Readiness Kick Off on October 22, 23 and 24 from 1 to 8 P.M. at the Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center in Dalton. Call (706) 279-9600.
The following steps can help you stay well and improve your odds against breast cancer:
The earlier breast cancer is found, the better. Sign up for the American Cancer Society breast cancer screening reminder at http://acsremindme.com/register.php?CID and they will remind you when it is based on their early detection guidelines. If you are 40 or older, get a mammogram and breast exam every year and report any breast changes to your doctor right away.
You can help reduce your breast cancer risk by maintaining a healthy weight throughout life, being physically active on a regular basis (at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week) and limiting alcohol intake to less than 1 drink each day for women (2 drinks for men).
For more information about breast cancer, visit cancer.org/fightbreastcancer.