In support of ongoing efforts to “bat away” the catastrophic effects of cancer, the Idaho Falls Chukars have teamed up with the Idaho Falls medical establishment with a special breast-cancer awareness night at Melaleuca Field on Sept. 5.
For the home game against the Great Falls Voyagers, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center will serve as the main sponsor for Breast Cancer Awareness Night and will be giving away T-shirts to the first 500 fans. The Chukars will be wearing new specialty jerseys with an auction after the game, and proceeds of the jerseys will go to the Eastern Idaho Public Health mammogram voucher program. Other sponsors include Idaho Falls Magazine, Post Register, Star 98, News Radio and CW.
According to www.cancer.org, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 36 (about 3 percent). Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.
EIRMC recommends that women age 40 and over receive a screening mammogram each year, which is 100 percent covered by the Affordable Care Act for women with insurance.
Other important facts about breast cancer and mammography:
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When detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 100 percent.
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EIRMC uses 3D mammography, which can detect 41 percent more invasive breast cancer.
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1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer.
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3 out of 4 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history and are not considered high-risk.
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1 in 6 breast cancers occurs in women ages 40-49.
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EIRMC performs over 5,000 mammograms every year.
Want to join the fight? There are many ways that people can support cancer awareness. According to the Chukars, the simplest act of support is the purchase of BCA fundraising tickets and cancer awareness jerseys. All proceeds go back to supporting agencies and their programs.
For more information on the special night Sept. 5 at Melaleuca Field, visit the Chukars website at www.ifchukars.com. For more information about mammography services in Greater Idaho Falls, contact Eastern Idaho Women’s Imaging at 208-227-2612 or visit www.eirmc.com/mammogram.
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