On Thursday, Nov. 5, the EC Breast Cancer Survivor’s Group held their 6th annual Free Mammograms Clinic inside the Nursing Department for female students, teachers and nearby residents.
Before, women over the age of 40 were required to have a mammogram but now this year women under the age of 40 are added to the list.
“There’s a lot more young women touched by breast cancer, that’s why we ended up adding an under 40 clinic so can reduce the risk of breast cancer,” project coordinator Jan Ball stated.
Patricia Gebert, cosmetology professor, a 9-year breast cancer survivor, and also apart of the EC Breast Cancer Survivor Group, thought it would be a great incentive to add a free service from provided by the cosmetology students for the breast exam patients.
“The students need people to work on and the clients seem to be very happy with it,” she said.
Gebert plans to allow the free manicure with the mammogram test every year.
She also mentioned that the Cosmetology Department provides complimentary services to the Wellness Center in Redondo Beach, the Veterans Homes on Wilshire Boulevard, transitional college students and many other organizations.
“We filled up all slots for the examination,” project coordinator Jan Ball said.
A lot more women were expected to come in and take advantage of the free health services because of the economic downturn.
“People came up to me and said they lost their benefits and insurance,” Ball added.
The free exam was taken care of by fundraising, various organizations including the Every Woman Counts State program and a huge list of various departments on campus who either contributed or volunteered their help.
“It was interesting, they told me how often to do it, it should be done on a regular basis and you should know how your body is,” Ashley Edwards, 19, pre-nursing major said.
The breast exams taught patients the difference between a cancerous breast and a healthy breast using prosthetic breast to help show the patient how they had to check themselves for a proper self-breast examination.
“I always try to use the time I have with my patients to do some teaching and answer any questions about breast health and routine health screenings most of the patients react very well to the process, they are very appreciative of the opportunity to get their mammograms on campus,” Cynthia Sanchez, nurse practitioner
Sanchez also said a reminder to all women receiving health screenings should also receive annual pap smears along with monthly breast exams to be fully aware of their bodies.
“Any of these issues should be discussed with your health care provider if you have any questions, if you don’t have one you should contact your local public health department and ask to speak to a public health nurse,” Sanchez.
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Nursing Department offers free breast cancer checkups
By Crystal Greer
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December 3, 2009
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