Nick McWilliams reporting – The annual local campaign that coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month is back in Tuscarawas County.
Paint Tusc Pink through Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital kicks off in October, the month that brings attention to the topic of one of the leading causes of death for women in the United States.
President of Union Colonel Dr. Thomas Rogers says that amid the coronavirus pandemic, there are some concerns related to residents being more relaxed on routine check ups and exams, such as mammograms.
“Mammograms are key for us to be able to detect and identify cancer early so that we can start treatment. That’s one of the things that we want to be able to do with Paint Tusc Pink. Introduce screening and the ability to make people realize that they need to think about breast cancer and to get these screening tests done early.”
Commissioner Al Landis is one of many who have been personally impacted by breast cancer, which affects one in eight women in their lifetimes.
“My wife is a breast cancer survivor. And living proof that early detection saves lives. We preach it from the mountain top. And I think this is an excellent month and program to remind people of the importance of getting out there because it does save lives.”
For Tuscarawas County, numbers have been good in years past, after less than 50 percent of female residents reported receiving a mammogram in the last two years when the program began.
According to Community Relations Director Darrin Lautenschleger, 71 percent of women 40 and older now report receiving a mammogram in the last two years.
To schedule a mammogram, contact healthcare providers or Union Hospital staff.
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