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TAHLEQUAH, OK - October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Cherokee Nation is promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by distributing education packets and pink ribbons at clinics and in outreach meetings at various sites including Kansas High School, Women’s Aglow International, Cherokee and Creek churches, and many other community sites.

The Cherokee Nation Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP), now in its ninth year of existence, works on educating women about the importance of the early detection of breast cancer and the importance of getting yearly mammograms beginning at age 40. BCCEDP has distributed and displayed informational fliers and pamphlets at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex, Cherokee Nation health clinics and Creek Nation health clinics to promote breast cancer awareness.

“Our staff is very proud that we can provide the services and we look forward to serving the community for many years to come,” said Julie Erb, director of the Cherokee Nation BCCEDP.

The 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Survivors Camp, “A Celebration of Life,” is scheduled for October 26 at the Cherokee Nation Cancer Programs Office new location of 1200 W. 4th Street, Suite C in Tahlequah. Artist Dana Tiger has been invited to sign BCCEDP posters, which exhibit her work. The day will also include breakfast and lunch for attendees, which will be sponsored by the American Cancer Society and American Indian Resource Center.

“The ‘Celebration of Life’ is a great opportunity for cancer survivors to come out and celebrate with a nutritious breakfast, origami, storytelling, massage and aromatherapy, a presentation on household toxins, support group talk, gift baskets, door prizes and a healthy luncheon,” Erb said.

The BCCEDP also has an ongoing support group for Native American women with breast cancer, which is sponsored by the Y-Me Organization of Northeast Oklahoma. This group meets one Thursday evening a month at the W.W. Hastings Dining Room at 7:00 pm.

“The meetings are a nice way for women who have been through cancer to talk and share experiences,” said Erb.

For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Survivors Camp, “A Celebration of Life”, mammogram screenings or support groups, please contact Becky Dreadfulwater, health educator at the Cherokee Nation Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, phone: 918-458-4491 or toll free 1-877-458-4491 or Lura Whiteshirt, support group leader, phone: 918-458-3302.