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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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Breast Cancer Awareness

  • Published
  • By Peter Borys
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  Members of the 914th Airlift Wing participated in the 2nd annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk with Lunch & Learn at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Oct. 6. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lt. Col. Joan Tudini, nurse practitioner with the 914th Aero Patient Staging Squadron and chairperson organized this event to help raise money in support of breast cancer research for the Western New York Region of the American Cancer Society.
"It's about a two mile walk around the base," said Col. Tudini. "Last year, we raised about $550 and hope to at least match that this year. All funds will be presented through the Combined Federal Campaign."
Donations are still being accepted. "Those that were unable to attend the walk or lunch are encouraged to donate any amount they can afford in any of the pink ceramic pigs that are strategically placed throughout the unit," said Tudini.
This year's guest speaker for the event was Karen Hall, community mission manager from the Western New York Region of the American Cancer Society. She informed the group of women and men of some of the latest statistics and some preventative measures on how to reduce the risks.
"Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the US and second leading cause of cancer related death in the US," said Ms. Hall. "The good news is that death rates have been going down since 1990."
How young should a woman be to be concerned about breast cancer?
Ms. Hall explained: "Women in their 20's should start doing self breast examination especially if there is a history in their family. Breast cancer risks increase as women get older about 5-10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary."
Some factors that increase the risk of getting breast cancer may include: smoking, alcohol use, being overweight and obesity.
What can decrease the risks?
"Quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, [and participate in] physical activity," Ms. Hall stressed. "The more active you are, it decreases the risk. Maintain a healthy weight. Breast-feeding may slightly lower a woman's breast cancer risk as well. Breast cancer screening is very important for women 40 and older."
Ms. Hall also informed the event participants of a little known fact: men can also get breast cancer - one-tenth of 1 percent to be exact.
"It's rare but it does happen," said Ms. Hall. "Men should also do a self examination."
Jim Germain, 914th Family and Readiness director, explained why he attended the event.
"Breast cancer does affect us personally whether you're a man or a woman," said Mr. Germain. "My mother-in-law died of breast cancer. I'm sure most men know someone who has had breast cancer and either survived or did not. So it's an issue for everybody. You don't have to be a woman in order for breast cancer to be an issue for you."
Donations are still being accepted. For further information, call Lt. Col. Tudini at (716) 236-6343, or Mr. Germain at (716) 236-2097. For more information about breast cancer, visit www.cancer.org.