TAHOE/TRUCKEE and#8212; Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS) celebrates National Breast Health Awareness Month, now in its 27th year by giving first-time mammogram patients a free gift. Patients who bring in another first-timer will both walk away with a gift. First time mammograms must be scheduled in October 2011 and completed by March 2012 to qualify for the free gift (no cash value).

It’s easy

Mammograms assist in the early detection of breast cancer and are quick and easy. Tahoe Forest Hospital (TFH) utilizes the most advanced technology to perform comprehensive breast screening exams; digital mammography screenings are used for all patients. Breast MRI technology is also available. Screening exams are administered by a certified mammography technologist and are interpreted by a board certified radiologist. No doctor’s order is necessary for a screening; follow-up breast care is available. To schedule an appointment, call 530-582-6510. A limited number of free exams and mammograms are available through Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Call 530-582-3277 for eligibility details.

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Free breast health talk

On Oct. 19, Ahrin Koppel, MD, hematology and medical oncology at Tahoe Forest Cancer Center will hold a free talk, and#8220;Breast Health, Knowledge is Power,and#8221; 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Tahoe Center for Health and Sports Performance, 10710 Donner Pass Road, Truckee.

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Learn how women can maintain breast health and share information with family members. Dr. Koppel will discuss the importance of knowing your family breast history and how to best educate yourself if you are a descendent of a relative who had or has breast cancer. Women aged 40 and older are recommended to have a clinical breast exam and mammogram annually.

With the recently received grant and ongoing generous support from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, TFHS is able to provide breast health education and breast screening to the uninsured and underinsured. Administered by Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation and key staff within the Tahoe Forest Hospital, peer educators at Family Resource Centers (FRC) are trained by Tahoe Forest medical staff on breast health education, including the importance of breast exams and mammography. These educators share the information with FRC clients through educational outreach sessions.

Every October

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)) is an annual international health campaign that occurs each October. The organization is a partnership of national public service organizations, professional medical associations and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information about the disease and provide greater access to screening services. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer. NBCAM is also a time to remind women of the vital importance for earlier detection.

Since its inception a quarter century ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved with the national dialogue about breast cancer. Although great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. The organization remains dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams, scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms, adhering to prescribed treatment and knowing the facts about recurrence. Visit http://www.NBCAM.org.

For more information about Tahoe Forest Health System, visit http://www.tfhd.com.

and#8212; Submitted to aedgett@sierrasun.com