MEDIA ADVISORY 

Oct. 5, 2009

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast and Cervical Cancer screenings available in Athens, Hocking, Meigs and Perry Counties

What:  Free and reduced-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings by Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Area Health Education Center

Where:  Six locations throughout Southeastern Ohio

When:  Throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Who:  Women in need of breast and cervical health information and  services

Why:  To raise awareness about these cancers and combat missed diagnosis

ATHENS, Ohio -- In an effort to raise awareness about breast and cervical cancers and promote their early diagnosis, the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) will be providing free and reduced-cost screenings and information throughout Southeastern Ohio in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This effort is part of an ongoing series of health screenings provided by OU-HCOM Community Health Programs and the Area Health Education Center.

The breast and cervical cancer screenings  aim to help women who are uninsured or underinsured, middle-aged or older, or those who have  a family history of cancer. These women are usually at a higher risk of developing breast cancer but often cannot find an easy or inexpensive way to be tested. Incorrect self-diagnosis or skipping a screening altogether can mean that an early diagnosis that could save their lives is missed.

In addition to the screenings, a community presentation will be held at Buckeye Hills Career Center in Gallia County Oct. 14 at 1 p.m., and a public education display will be set up at Ohio University’s Bird Arena Oct. 24 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Columbus-based Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a non-profit organization that raises money for breast cancer education, research and health services, will provide major funding for the screenings at the following times and locations:

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Scenic Hills Nursing Home, Bidwell

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., United Methodist Church, Tuppers Plains

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Parks Hall, Ohio University, Athens

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Old M & M School, McConnelsville

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hocking Valley Community Hospital, Logan

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Perry County Senior Center, New Lexington