Calendar promotes prevention

Julie Severn

6/12/2002 12:00:00 AM

Several Saginaw Chippewa breast cancer survivors have participated in the production of a calendar promoting early detection as the best prevention.

The "Courage Calendar" features photographs of Native Americans from various Michigan Tribes. Besides their pictures, the educational effort also includes respective success stories.

"One survivor will be featured each month," said Tina McPhall, Women's Health and Breast/Cervical Cancer Control Program Coordinator for the Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center. "This is a positive way to encourage and support all women who are currently fighting cancer."

There has been a 4 percent increase in the breast cancer mortality rate for Native American women annually between 1990 and 1996, according to the American Cancer Society.

They recommend that women 40 years and older have an annual mammogram and clinical breast examination in addition to monthly breast self-examinations.

Women between the ages of 20 and 39 are encouraged to have clinical breast examinations every three years and should conduct monthly breast self-examinations.

"We offer women's health screenings each Wednesday," said McPhall. "We also provide free mammograms and other services for women who qualify for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program or special Indian Health Services grants."

For more information, you may contact McPhall at (989) 775-4604 or Women's Health Assistant Judy Davis at (989) 775-4629.