October 2010 marks the 25th year since the first National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) was declared in 1985. Access Home Care and Hospice is celebrating this anniversary in a special way – by wearing pink exam gloves.
“These pink gloves that our caregivers are wearing are a visible reminder that early detection and prevention is key,” states Camie Tripp RN, Director of Access Home Care and Hospice, Pocatello office.
Experts say that mammography screening remains the single-most effective method of detecting breast cancer in an early, treatable stage. If all women received regular screenings and mammograms after turning 40, the death rate would fall by another 20 to 30 percent.
In addition to raising awareness, these pink gloves are helping provide free mammograms to women who cannot afford them. The manufacturer, Medline, contributes $1 for every 1,000 Generation Pink gloves purchased to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization that has provided over 130,000 free screenings since 2004.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women and takes the lives of approximately 40,000 women annually. Breast cancer has many risk factors, including age, genetics, obesity, and family history. Women who exercise regularly, maintain healthy diets, and have regular visits with their doctors may be less likely to get breast cancer.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is committed to spreading knowledge and fostering hope in the fight against breast cancer. By funding free mammograms for women who could otherwise not afford them and supporting research programs in leading facilities across the country, NBCF helps inspire the courage needed to win this monumental battle.
Medline is also the sponsor of the Pink Glove Dance video that went viral on You Tube last year. In an effort to continue building awareness, Medline is releasing multiple sequels on pinkglovedance.com — this time featuring both healthcare workers and breast cancer survivors. For more information on the Pink Glove Dance sequel, visit pinkglovedance.com.
About Access Home Care and Hospice
Access Home Care and Hospice is a locally owned and operated agency that provides home health and hospice services to Northern Utah, Eastern Idaho, and Western Wyoming. Access provides nursing and CNA services in the home, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapies. In terms of hospice, the Access staff is comprised of Medical Directors, social workers, nurses that specialize in end-of-life care, volunteers, and nursing aides.
