Runners take the streets during breast cancer awareness 5k

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Smoot
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom Airmen and members of the Great Falls community rallied together in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month during a 5K walk/run at the Grizzly Bend on Oct. 15. The theme for this year's event was "Best Protection is Early Detection."

The Breast Cancer Awareness walk/run entailed a 5k course lined out through the base.

Nearly 200 runners and walkers participated in the 5K to show support for those who are dealing with breast cancer, as well as the family members of loved ones who have lost their battle with this disease.

"Today Malmstrom Air Force Base is set up to recognize two things," said Kirk Clark, 341st Medical Group exercise physiologist. "Recognizing awareness for breast cancer, we always want to keep our population healthy, not just our active duty but our dependents and retirees as well.

"The other thing we are doing here today is recognizing survivors of the disease and that's what October is nationwide - its breast cancer awareness month," he continued.

Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 will die. Although breast cancer in men is uncommon, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year, according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Clark believes it's important to put on events such as this at Malmstrom.

"I think it's important from an awareness stand point," he said. "One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime, and we know that early detection makes a difference in the survivor rate for the disease."

Clark provided helpful tips for women regarding breast cancer and early detection.

"Make sure you see your providers when you need to," he said. "Make sure you're asking your providers any questions you may have and make sure you're getting your exams done regularly because these things are important. Early detection does mean you can survive and beat this disease."

"Our second annual Breast Cancer Awareness 5K run/walk was a success," said Danielle Rinck, 341st MDG case manager. "We had over 350 participants that engaged in the run/walk or visited the 10 vendors inside."

Representatives from the 341st Medical Operations Squadron were on hand to educate participants after the 5k in the Grizzly Bend on awareness and prevention and to provide verbal screenings and to order mammograms.

"I feel we saved lives, as one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and we have taught them early detection will have a better outcome," Rinck said. "Most importantly, the crowd was educated on the best way to reduce risk, which is a healthy food plan and exercise."

For more information regarding breast cancer awareness or concerns with breast cancer, visit americancancersociety.org or speak to a primary provider in the local community.

The 5k winners were:

Male: 2nd Lt. James Walmsley

Female: Lindsey Packingham

Most enthusiastic runner: Andreia Figueroa