Jean Simers (left) and Debbie Holcomb present program
Concerned citizens and cancer survivors attend awareness program
"I was told not to worry, but I felt I should get a biopsy," said cancer survivor Jean
Simers. "I was only 44 years old when I discovered I had breast cancer." Simers
said "You're never too young, never too old." She said women need to advocate for
their own care, including early detection.
"You should not wait and put off getting evaluated," she said.
Several cancer survivors and friends attended a special ceremony last night to
designate National Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which is October 4, with the
month of October focusing on the problem.
Part of the program was the hanging of a wreath on the county courthouse and a
candlelight ceremony.
Debbie Holcomb of the American Cancer Society says, services are available to
women in the area. Cancer is best treated through early detection. She said there
are three basic steps:
1. Do a breast self-exam once a month.
2. Get a clinical breast exam once a year.
3. Get a mammogram, if it is the correct year. Ages 40-49 once every two years;
age 50 and up a mammogram once a year.
Harriett Dial, a representative of the local WV Breast and Cervical Cancer
Screening Program, says the agency will actually pay for diagnostics and
treatment for women who cannot afford it.
"People in Calhoun County and regional counties are being helped, including the
payment of treatment," said Dial. "We want to reach out to women and let them
know about our services."
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