October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a time for all of us to acknowledge the impact breast cancer can have on our lives, and to learn about the ways we can keep ourselves healthy. Starr Regional Medical Center (SRMC) and the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA are teaming up this October to offer community activities to support of Breast Cancer awareness and provide resources for how we all can live our healthiest lives.

Schedule your mammogram
There’s no time like Breast Cancer Awareness Month to schedule your annual mammogram at the Starr Regional Breast Center. One in eight women will experience breast cancer. That’s why preventive screening is a vital part of a healthy life. If you are 40 or older, a 3D mammogram can detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective. To schedule your mammogram, call 423.744.3372.

Attend Breast Health Discussions
Community members are invited to attend free, educational discussions three Wednesdays in October. The discussions will begin at 10 a.m. and take place at the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA.

October 15: Prevention & Mammograms presented by Tammie Lowry, RT, (R)(M)(BS), Starr Regional Breast Center Supervisor

October 22: Cancer Care in our Community presented by Kim Burnett, MSN, RN, OCN, MEDSURG-BC, Director of Oncology & Infusion Services at Starr Regional Medical Center

October 29: Importance of Nutrition presented by Jackie Berry, MS, RD, LDN, Director of Community Wellness at Starr Regional Medical Center

Bring a friend and participate in Pink Ribbon Walks
We invite the community to take part in Pink Ribbon Walks at the Eureka Trail on Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. and/or at Athens Regional Park (large pavilion near the pond) on Monday, October 20 at 5:45 p.m. Bring a friend, wear pink, and walk in honor or memory of loved ones. Bibs will be available for participants to personalize with names.

Wear Pink on Friday, October 17 for National Mammography Day
Friday, October 17 is National Mammography Day. Let’s come together as a community and wear pink in support of our friends and neighbors who have battled or are still fighting breast cancer. Community members are encouraged to post photos of themselves with co-workers, family and friends wearing pink on social media and use #TurnMcMinnPink when sharing.

Additionally, women who schedule their mammogram at the Starr Regional Breast Center on this day will enjoy refreshments and a small gift.

Take part in the Pink Power Hour
The Athens-McMinn Family YMCA is hosting an exercise group (two Thursdays and two Saturdays) for cancer survivors to come together for exercise, support and fellowship. To learn more and register for the classes, visit: https://www.athensmcminnymca.org/events/breast-cancer-awareness-events. Class dates and times are Saturday, October 18 at 10 a.m.; Thursday, October 23 at 10:45 a.m.; and Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m.

For a complete list of activities, visit StarrRegional.com/events or https://www.athensmcminnymca.org/events/breast-cancer-awareness-events. For more information about breast health services at Starr Regional Medical Center, visit StarrRegional.com/mammo.