Nimkee hosts 21st Annual Feather Link Tea & Luncheon 10-11-16

Joseph V. Sowmick - October 11, 2016

Nimkee Healthy Start Grant & PH 4/4 Grant Coordinator for Women’s Health Judy Davis informs the annual luncheon is held in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month where cancer survivors are publicly recognized.  

Nimkee Medical Director Margaret Steslicki provided some background on the importance of the annual event.  “When we started the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) in 1995, our medical records indicated only four women had documented mammograms,” Steslicki said. “Today, approximately 55 percent of the women we see at Nimkee have had their recommended screening mammograms. In the last two years, we have had 342 mammograms documented. We have met the Indian Health Service goal of 55% but we need to continue to do better. This is where the Feather Link comes in.”

 

Steslicki shared some advice on screenings and mentioned it is possible for men to also be diagnosed with breast cancer. “It is important to support other women by offering help in many ways (help with transportation, go to screening or mammogram appointment, provide emotional support and information on screenings)” she said. “Encourage your husbands, boyfriends, sons, brothers, uncles to make an appointment for their annual screening. Make a difference and commit to your annual screening and encourage others. Early detection can save your life and the lives of your loved ones.”