Hospitals, schools, and communities partner for breast cancer awareness

Date: 09/29/2023

Northern Light CA Dean and Mayo Hospitals are teaming up with local schools and others in the community to spread awareness and encourage mammograms in October to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Awareness activities include messages on the Center Theatre marquee in Dover-Foxcroft, wear pink days at both hospitals and in the community every Wednesday, pink ribbons for patients and employees, and pink lights on the hospital campuses.

Local athletic teams are raising awareness by wearing pink uniforms and socks during games in October. The Piscataquis Community Secondary School field hockey and soccer teams will wear custom pink jerseys, the Greenville Consolidated School soccer teams and the Foxcroft Academy field hockey, football, and soccer teams will wear pink socks for the month. Announcers will share breast cancer awareness messages at select games.

“Building awareness is important because fewer than three in four Maine women are up to date on their mammograms,” says Shelly Roope, FNP, family medicine practitioner, Northern Light Primary Care, Sangerville, citing information from the American Cancer Society. “Mammograms are recommended for most women beginning at age 40 because early detection allows treatment to begin sooner when cancer is easier to treat. We’re excited to partner with the community to spread the word, because we know that mammograms save lives.”

Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

Northern Light Mayo Hospital makes screening convenient by offering flexible appointments. Please connect with your primary care practitioner or call 207.564.4353 to make an appointment. Walk-in appointments for screening mammograms are available Monday-Friday between 8 am and 3 pm.