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Shaw walks for breast cancer awareness

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  • By Amn Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  More than 100 Team Shaw members gathered at the fitness center to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month here on Oct. 2.

The breast cancer awareness walk is an annual event, which has been held at Shaw for five years.

"This walk raises awareness and keeps the issue of breast cancer at the forefront," said Dr. Theresa Ulichney, 20th Medical Operations Squadron family health OB-GYN. "What I want people to be aware of are the controllable risk factors. In the younger population that means staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and really limiting alcohol use. (The issue of how much alcohol the body can tolerate is a controversial issue), but for some, a daily drink may not be ok."

According to Ulichney, not only is the walk a deterrent for an unhealthy lifestyle, but it makes people aware of the resources available for testing at the 20th Medical Group.

Participants either walked one lap of the base chapel trail, or walked 18 laps around the gym during this event.

The Health and Wellness Center set up tables with informational pamphlets explaining prevention of breast cancer and detection.

Ulichney came to speak at the event as well as Penny Hardin, HAWC promotion program coordinator.

"Breast cancer is not exclusive to just females," said Hardin. "Anyone can get breast cancer. It's important to (educate people) on early detection and prevention, so that if they detect it early, their chances of surviving are much higher."

As a thank you to those who attended the event, the HAWC gave away prizes at a raffle and bags containing more information on breast cancer awareness.

Throughout the month of October, there will be a breast cancer tree at the front of the 20th Medical Group that will allow people to hang a ribbon there to recognize someone who has survived breast cancer or in remembrance of a loved one.