CHIN Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness through Lunch & Learn

Today The Community Health Improvement Network provided community members a chance to learn and get a better understanding of treatment options and preventative measures regarding breast cancer.

"The month of October is Breast cancer awareness month. And so, of course, we wanted to make sure that we highlight this very important health issue in our community, really wants to make sure that we promote that there's 100% financial support for those that are underinsured, uninsured," stated Beverly Knox the President of CHIN.

Monthly self-breast exams and knowing and understanding the importance of having annual mammograms were among some of the topics discussed by dr.Coleman says at least 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

"The main thing is to get your mammogram. Go ahead and decide that you're going to set a habit of going yearly and that you talk to your friends, your sisters, your mom, your friends, and family and make sure that they're getting their mammogram, too, because that's a huge first step in making sure that you're in good health and that you stay that way," said Dr.Coleman.

Any woman could be affected by breast cancer even if cancer does not run in her family. Residents and some breast cancer survivors say they wanted to come out today to gain as much knowledge as possible.

"Being a survivor, I decided to come out and things change. And so. And I come out to see how things are happening around. I am a 15-year survivor," said Hazel Temple.

"I came today to get some information about cancer and to learn what we need to do as a community, and as a person so that we can be more equipped and understand more about cancer," said local resident Barbara Ivey.

Being a Cancer survivor Annie Stewart knows how scary it can be to be diagnosed." When you get diagnosed with cancer, you know, it's a scary thing, you know. But we have to have faith and be strong and be prayed up, you know, and take care of ourselves.

Having annual mammograms and self-examinations is your best defense against breast cancer says Coleman who stated that finding breast cancer in the earliest stage can help save your life.