Malmstrom Airmen walk for awareness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than 150 Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen, civilians and dependents gathered at the Fitness Center track for the Health and Wellness Center's Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Oct. 15. The walk coincided with national breast cancer awareness month, which is dedicated to increasing knowledge nationwide about the disease.

Participants celebrated the lives of those who have battled or are battling breast cancer. They also remembered those lost in the fight and encouraged early detection and prevention during the 3-mile stroll by carrying signs, and wearing pink inspirational T-shirts for the event.

"The purpose of having the walk was to bring about awareness of a serious disease, and how something as simple as regularly performing self exams can increase a person's survival rate to 98 percent due because of early detection," said Kirk Clark, 341st Medical Operations Squadron exercise physiologist. "Our goal from a wellness standpoint was to get at least 100 people out here to be educated on the seriousness of breast cancer and unite to enhance prevention. Of the 150 people who showed up, with their circle of influence, if they each go out and make others aware of the importance of regular self exams and early detection we're essential saving thousands of lives."

According to the national breast cancer awareness month website, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. 40,000 women will die from the disease this year alone. 2.5 million breast cancer survivors are still alive due to early detection and effective treatment.

"It's very important for people to be aware of breast cancer and take the necessary steps in prevention by testing themselves regularly," said Tech. Sgt. Brandy Wess, 341st Missile Wing knowledge operations NCOIC. "The event was great because not only did you get the chance to educate people about the disease, but also you got to be physical and get some exercise in, which is important too. Being healthy and taking care of yourself is essential to our lives and our mission readiness and I'd encourage everyone to continue to do both."

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Most cases are sporadic and have no direct family link to the disease. The risk for developing breast cancer increases as women age.

"Prevention is key when dealing with cancer," Mr. Clark said. "So often people fail to realize that not only does cancer change your entire life, but that it can affect you and your family forever. Cancer victims and survivors go through so much from treatment, to side effects, to the mental and spiritual emotions they endure as a part of the process. This can be for months, and even years. Never knowing when a random doctor visit will result in some worse news like your cancer is no longer in remission. Until someone has fought that fight they don't fully understand what those people go through. To prevent it, to keep anyone from going through all that, and by taking the time every six months to personally examine themselves, they are elevating their chances drastically. It's just that simple."