LCRH promotes breast cancer awareness
10/13/2011
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (LCRH) has pulled out all the stops to help raise awareness about breast cancer during October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Since early detection is the best protection from breast cancer,” said Susan Ramsey Wilson, LCRH Director of Marketing and Community Relations. “We wanted to use as many methods as possible to help remind folks about how important annual mammograms are.”
People driving by the hospital’s emergency room or traveling through the LCRH Cancer Treatment Center parking lot may be surprised to see one of the eye-catching ways the hospital is raising awareness this year.
LCRH has painted the curbs around the ER and the speed bumps located in the Cancer Treatment Center parking lot bright pink. Gentle reminders in the form of signs and banners - decorated with the familiar breast cancer pink ribbon - convey the message, “The first step is early detection. Call your doctor today” and “Felt the Bump? Call your doctor today.”
The hospital is also making it easier for ladies to get their annual mammogram by extending the hours when digital mammograms are performed at The Imaging Center. Each Thursday night during October, “Mammo Madness” is celebrated from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
“We realize that many women don’t look forward to getting their annual mammogram, and may even put it off,” explained Wilson. “So, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we actually want to make having a mammogram fun with our Mammo Madness.”
Ladies who have their screening mammogram performed during the special extended hours are given a long-stemmed pink rose and escorted from their car to the door by Rob Gaines, radiology director, or Sam Watkins, assistant director. The ladies are treated to warm paraffin soaks for their hands, followed by a hand massage and also have the opportunity to try new Mary Kay make-up techniques. Delicious pink lemonade and cupcakes help the experience end on a sweet note.
Wilson expressed appreciation to Arlene Mofield, Senior Friends Advisor, and to Lifeline for giving hand massages as well as to Audean Vaught for providing the Mary Kay products. Several of the hospital’s Health Career Explorers are also assisting with the event.
“The final event of the month will be our 9th Annual Breast Cancer Symposium on Thursday, October 27 at The Center for Rural Development,” said Wilson. “We will have nearly 40 exhibitors this year, offering important information a wide variety of services.”
The exhibits are open to the public from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., with no reservations necessary. Among the many services included in the event will be a health fair, nail art designs, mini lip and eye makeovers, hand massages, and break-out sessions featuring Body Recall exercises led by Shirley Roberson, Lake Cumberland District Health Department, and a breast health session by Rachel Shelton, M.D., general surgeon.
In addition Mark Krebs, University of Kentucky basketball alumnus, will be on hand to sign his book, “Beyond a Dream,” written about his mother’s strength and courage during a nine-year struggle with breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Symposium is jointly sponsored by Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital and the Alton Blakley Family of Dealerships, in cooperation with the American Cancer Society, Kentucky Cancer Program, and Southern Kentucky AHEC. For more information, please contact Susan Wilson at 606-678-3264 or susan.wilson@lpnt.net.