PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- On Oct. 21, 2022, the Peterson Space Force Base Health Promotion team, 21st Medical Group Radiology and the Peterson Commissary hosted the second annual Bling the Bra 5K race in support of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Over 50 participants came out to honor and support anyone affected by breast cancer.
It is estimated that almost 44,000 women and 530 men in the U.S. will die from breast cancer. No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life in some way. Participants were encouraged to decorate a bra, take part in the contest, and wear a “Who Do You Wear Pink For?” badge as they walked or ran.
Why is this so important? According to the latest statistics, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime – that’s one person every 12 minutes in the U.S. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women as well. Although it’s not very common, men also get breast cancer – usually one out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a male.
Five steps you can start doing!
- Know Your Risk
- Know your family history – it could be lifesaving
- Talk to a doctor and see how that history impacts your risk
- Get Screened
- If you are at average risk, have mammogram every year starting at age 40
- If there are any signs of breast cancer, finding it and treating it early may save your life
- Know Your Normal
- It’s important to know what’s normal for you
- If something doesn’t look or feel right, notify your health care provider
- Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Living a healthy lifestyle is within our control
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol intake
- Exercise regularly
- Take Action
- Be proactive with your health and mammogram appointments
- Conduct monthly breast self-exams
- Communicate with your health care provider and team
- Ask questions
We look forward to next year and hope to have even more participation and fun! For more information on how to improve performance with nutrition, physical activity or sleep, please call SBD 1 Health Promotions at 719-556-4292 or email us at usaf.peterson.21sw-mdg.mbx.21-omrs-health-promotions@health.mil