Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Komen on the Go to make a stop at ECCC

Women from the Tri-State will have an opportunity to learn more about breast cancer, breast self exams and the importance of getting regularly scheduled mammograms through the Komen on the Go tour, which will make a stop at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Friday, June 8.

Komen on the Go is a community education and outreach tour that is part of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure's efforts to engage all generations in the fight against breast cancer. The tour travels around the country in two colorful cruisers, each of which provides an interactive learning environment using computer terminals, big screen televisions and an array of educational materials to raise awareness of breast cancer. In addition, there will be a graffiti wall where participants can share a memory or pledge personal support in the fight against breast cancer and survivors and healthcare professionals will be available to answer questions and share their experiences in person.

The trailer will be located on Cabell Huntington Hospital's campus, near the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center entrance along Hal Greer Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"At the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, our goal is not only to provide the latest in cancer diagnosis and treatment, but also is to reach out and educate people about the importance of early detection," said Lynn Jarrell, clinical director of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Breast cancer is a disease that is more successfully treated when caught early, and having the Komen on the Go tour on our campus helps get that message out there."

Approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and nearly 40,000 will die of the disease each year.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1982 on a promise Nancy Brinker made to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Today, Komen for the Cure has invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill its promise.

The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center is the fulfilled dream of James F. and Joan C. Edwards who together donated more than $40 million to build and operate a comprehensive cancer center on the campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital. The center opened in 2006 and sees and average of 175 a day.