October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Fannin County Health Department is offering free breast exams to the women of the community, October 30, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the county’s health department located at 95 Ouida Street in Blue Ridge.
Officials say they’ll also offer breast cancer prevention and detection education to as well as free goodie bags to those who participate. Public Information Officer Jennifer King said in a press release, “It’s crucial to remember the importance of early detection and regular breast exams to catch cancer while it can be treated.
“Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers among American women, second only to skin cancer. ... Each year, nearly 41,000 women and 450 men in the U.S. die from breast cancer.”
She said while multiple factors contribute to a person’s risk, age is the main factor as most instances are found in women over 50. Other risk factors, as listed in the press release, include:
•A personal or family history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases;
•Having menstrual periods before age 12, which leads to longer exposure to hormones;
•Starting menopause after age 55, meaning a longer exposure to estrogen hormones;
•Never going through a full-term pregnancy or having the first pregnancy after age 30 raises the risk;
•Women who are overweight or obese after menopause have an increased risk;
•Drinking, smoking and exposure to radiation or certain chemical may increase the risk of breast cancer.
What can help prevent the potentially deadly disease? Experts with the health department say a healthy diet and regular exercise to keep a healthy weight will help, as will reducing or limiting alcohol consumption, ceasing tobacco use and avoiding exposure to radiation and carcinogenic chemicals.
King said, “The free breast exams at these events are for all women, and they don’t need an appointment during those event times to been seen.” Per the press release, the Health Departments throughout the North Georgia Health District are holding the free breast exams. Here are two other nearby locations:
•Gilmer County Health Department: Free breast exams, Thursday, October 24, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay, Georgia, 706-635-4363.
•Pickens County Health Department: Free clinical breast exams or mammogram referrals, Wednesday, October 30, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 60 Health Way, Jasper, Georgia, 706-253-2821.