Throughout the month of October the 59th Medical Wing hosted a series of breast cancer awareness events to bring attention to this specific type of cancer.

“The primary goal is to bring awareness to our patients,” said Dawn Troxler, 59th MDW health care integrator. “So many patients rely on providers for information, but we find that many providers are challenged with finding the time to really dig in and answer every question the patient might have.”

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body.

“In the United States one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually,” said Troxler. “Of those women, one in six will be between the ages of 40 and 49.”

Being one of the most common types of cancer in women and sometimes affecting men, the awareness events ranged from a lecture series featuring survivors and doctors to a Pap-a-Thon at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center.

The events held over the course of October have supported individuals maintaining awareness and action to detect and prevent breast cancer.

“October, however, is just one month,” said Charlotte Davis, a breast cancer survivor. “Fighting breast cancer is every day.”

Providers encourage conducting frequent self exams and discuss any notable changes with their provider.

“You are the first person to identify any changes to your body,” said Troxler. “We encourage everyone to take charge of their health and go in for preventive measures.”