Making Strides stroll Friday

WORLAND — In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Mammography Day this Friday the local chapter for the American Cancer Society has organized a Making Strides stroll in Worland.

Organizer Cheri Bundren said the stroll will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Pioneer Square. Strollers who want to stroll for breast cancer awareness are encouraged to come any time in the two-hour period. There is no fee to participate but registration is encouraged to document the number of participants.

She said the stroll starts and ends at Pioneer Square going down to Railway Avenue and back up to Pioneer Square.

Bundren said people can come and walk in support of a breast cancer survivor, walk in memory of someone, or walk for themselves.

“This year’s program is low key. Previously we would start at the Worland Community Center Complex and have a full-blown program,” Bundren said. She said there are many things going on this month and this week, which made it hard to plan a bigger event this year.

Bundren said there will be a drawing at the end of the stroll for a gift basket donated by a local business.

Participants are encouraged to wear pink during the stroll and throughout the month.

“This is an awareness event. It gets people together. It helps them to reflect on those who can’t get out and walk for themselves. It makes people aware that (breast cancer) is real.”

Bundren said she is also asking area businesses to pick a day to be “pink” for breast cancer awareness, and several businesses have already committed to showing their support, she said.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In 2014, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) celebrated its 30th anniversary. Since its inception, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. Today, NBCAM recognizes that although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. As NBCAM celebrates its 30th anniversary, they remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes, scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms with their healthcare provider, adhering to prescribed treatment and knowing the facts about recurrence.

The third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day, first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993. On this day, or throughout the month, women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment.

The American Cancer Society recommends that each person decide on a personal action plan to include:

—A yearly mammogram starting at age 40 and continuing as long as you are in good health;

—A breast exam every year by your doctor or nurse if you are age 40 or older or every three years if you are in your 20s and 30s;

—Breast awareness so that you will notice any breast changes and report them to your physician without delay. breast self-exams [bse] are an option for finding changes.

They also advise people to remember:

—Anyone can get breast cancer. But your chances of getting breast cancer go up as you get older

—Most breast cancers can be found with a mammogram when the cancer is small.

—If breast cancer is found when it is small, you can get treatment that can save your life

For anyone wanting more information, contact Bundren at 347-2255.