Oklahoma City Indian Clinic promotes Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Indigenous Pink Day with activities for staff and patients.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, is promoting breast cancer awareness with activities and mammogram incentives during October.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October to bring awareness to the prevalence of breast cancer and ways to reduce risk. Indigenous Pink Day will also be observed on October 21, 2021 to highlight the impact of breast cancer on Native women. According to the American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICF), breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for Native women.
“The risk for breast cancer increases as you age,” said Janice Hixson, OKCIC’s Chief Medical Officer. “Annual mammograms starting at age 40 are the best way to catch breast cancer early, which is when it’s the easiest to treat.”
There are additional ways to lower the risk of breast cancer. According to AICF, exercising three days per week, limiting alcohol use and mothers who breastfeed are all ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
OKCIC will be promoting breast cancer awareness and Indigenous Pink Day with activities during October. Staff will be decorating doors and bras to show support in a new and fun way. Patients who schedule a mammogram during October will be given a goodie bag or gas card.
“Breast cancer screenings have decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic began, despite it still being a significant threat to the Native population,” Hixson said. “Annual screenings are still very important.”
Annual breast cancer screenings can save lives. Schedule yours during Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 21,000 patients from over 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.