Jameson Observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  October 14, 2009 - As you drive up Wilmington Avenue and look up to the roof of Jameson, you will see an illuminated pink ribbon.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The ribbon was constructed and placed on the roof by members of the Jameson engineering department. There is also a large pink ribbon by the main entrance at the South campus.  At the front of the Nurses Residence at the north campus, large pink ribbons adorn the top floor windows to demonstrate the importance of breast cancer awareness.

            Pink ribbons are being placed throughout the hospital, in waiting rooms and on the nursing units.  On 2 South East a nurse, who is a cancer survivor,  placed pink ribbons and pictures of famous cancer survivors along the hallway. 

The pink ribbon on the roof and in multiple places throughout the hospital is a symbol for breast cancer awareness month.   Breast cancer awareness month began in 1985 and is a national program dedicated to increasing the public’s knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.  This is a special time dedicated to educate everyone about the importance of early detection for breast cancer.  Breast cancer when diagnosed early has a very good prognosis or cure rate.  Take advantage of early detection with routine screening mammograms, monthly self breast exams and routine visits to your health care provider.   Get the facts about breast cancer prevention and get your mammogram. 

Jameson is offering Mini Health Fairs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 16 at the UPMC/Jameson Cancer Center lobby, October 23 at the North lobby and on October 27 at the South lobby with Adaigo Health.  Displays and educators will present breast cancer awareness information, digital mammography information and representatives from the Witness Project will be present.  Screenings will be offered at the South Campus only.

The Witness Project is a national breast and cervical cancer awareness program for minority women.  It was named by minority women who survived cancer.  Through outreach and education a team of trained volunteer lay health advisers and Witness Role Models aim to provide lifesaving education about cancer screening and home breast checkups.  It targets underinsured and uninsured minority women.  Char Verdi, Community and Staff Education Director, is involved with the program at JHS.  The project plans to provide free or low-cost group cancer screenings at the hospitals of Sharon Regional, UPMC, Jameson Health System and Adagio Health.  They plan to present presentations at local churches and community organizations.  They meet at the South Conference Center .

Jameson offers digital mammography at both the north and south campuses.  To schedule an appointment, call 724-656-4220 .