Breast cancer event blown away

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Team Offutt celebrated the first week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a Blow Away Breast Cancer event Oct. 3 on the front lawn of the Ehrling Bergquist clinic.

The event featured a display of pink pinwheels, sunglasses, bubbles, cake and refreshments. 

"Today we are celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month in honor of our military family members who are fighting with breast cancer, our survivors and those who lost their fight," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Co. Julie Guill, 55th Medical Support Squadron commander and event guest speaker. "Our goal today is to send a message of hope and inspire others to take preventative measures to find the disease in its earliest stages."

The sobering facts of the matter are one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, she added.

"Risks of breast cancer increases with age," Guill said. "Twenty-five percent are diagnosed under the age of 40. Early detection is the key. This cancer has a 100 percent five-year survival rate in stage 1 and a 92 percent five-year survival rate in stage 2."

While largely effecting women, 419 men will die this year from breast cancer this year, she continued. In the last five years, this clinic has found 83 breast cancers leading to highly successful outcomes.

"While we have made a great deal of progress, we still have a long way to go and we really need your help," Guill said. "Encourage others to be proactive in their health. Get the screening exams and practice self-care."

Following the speech, attendees blew bubbles in unison and went on to enjoy the complimentary food, drinks and mementos.

Other events for the month include an informational booth at the Offutt Field House Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and an all-day bake sale Oct. 31 at the clinic with proceeds going to the Susan G. Koeman Breast Cancer Foundation.