Bassett Research Institute has scheduled a breast cancer awareness event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 at the Southside Mall in Oneonta.
“We have been doing a lot of community outreach this month for breast cancer awareness, but this may be the first time that we are having an event at the Southside Mall in Oneonta,” Bassett Healthcare Network spokesperson Gabrielle Argo said Wednesday, Oct. 16. “October is the month for breast cancer awareness and health, and we are doing more than usual about screenings and resources that are available.”
The Go Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair will feature tables from local organizations and services that provide resources on breast cancer and other health issues, according to a media release. Some of the vendors scheduled to attend include:
Bassett’s Living Well ProgramBassett’s Cancer Services ProgramBassett’s Health NavigatorsBassett’s Smoking Cessation ProgramOtsego Department of HealthOtsego County Office of the AgingFidelisFamily Planning of South Central NYiCircleAlzheimer’s Association
The health fair format will include informational tables across the main area of the mall hosted by various local organizations and services. Each table will provide resources for people who stop by to learn more from health care experts who will be on hand to answer questions and provide take-away information that visitors can keep and read later, Argo said.
Bassett Healthcare Network and Bassett Cancer Institute are renowned for breast cancer treatment and care, Argo said.
“We have a number of experts, plus full oncologists and cancer services in central New York, including providing low-cost or free cost screenings as well,” Argo said. “The health fair will probably have four to five experts on site at the event, as well as the people running their various tables.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. Throughout the month, breast cancer health organizations aim to promote screenings and disease prevention, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide, according to BreastCancer.org. People wear pink or pink ribbons in support of breast cancer awareness.
The month-long campaign is intended to encourage support for breast health and education, and to support people diagnosed with breast cancer, educating people about breast cancer risk factors and encouraging women to go for regular breast cancer screening starting at age 40 or earlier, depending on personal breast cancer risk, according to the website.