The citizens of Muscle Shoals, Alabama came together to learn about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Each Friday in October, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the American Cancer Society (ACS) set up an information booth at K-Mart. This year 600 individuals stopped by to view the exhibit and to pick up information about breast cancer.
The organization also put together packages of information that included literature on the early warning signs of breast cancer, the importance of getting a mammogram as you age, and ACS's Tell-A-Friend program. Handouts entitled "Eight Things to Expect When Getting a Mammogram," "Eight Tips for a Good Mammogram," Chances of Developing Breast Cancer," "Guidelines for Early Detection of Breast Cancer," "Helping Women with Breast Cancer," "Size of Tumors Found by a Mammogram," and "Breast Self-Examinations," were distributed along with a calendar and a necklace. There was also a display that demonstrated how to conduct breast self-examinations.
Stories were shared by viewers about family members (the middle-aged and the elderly) who were diagnosed with breast cancer or some other form of cancer. Many citizens offered to pay for the information and expressed how happy they were to see Extension working in places like K-Mart to help spread the word about this life-threatening disease.
Early detection is the key to saving or prolonging your life.