Time to take pink well beyond October

October is smothered with pink. Pink jerseys, ribbons, bras and more are displayed across the country to bring more awareness to breast cancer. As October comes to an end and November settles in, the pink fades to the background. For Tina Ghirarduzzi, this is when the real work begins.

“October’s pink campaigns help start conversations and hugely increase awareness of breast cancer’s impact in our community. Now I want to encourage people to take one more step. Call your doctor and actually make an appointment to get screened,” Tina explained.

As a Senior Health Education Specialist at Panhandle Health District, Tina manages the Women’s Health Check program and the Komen for the Cure mammogram voucher program for Idaho’s five northern counties. These programs provide no-cost breast and cervical exams and increase access to mammograms for low-income women without insurance. To be eligible for breast cancer screening through Women’s Health Check, women have to be age 21-39 and symptomatic or age 40-49, when risk for cancer is higher.

Tina is considered high-risk, herself, because of her family history. Her mother, Karen Ghirarduzzi, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and after a five-year battle, passed away the summer before Tina’s senior year at Lake City High School.

“Encouraging women to get screened is very close to my heart. The women in our community are so special and valuable and deserve access to care, no matter the circumstance,” Tina said.

Women in North Idaho have some of the lowest screening rates in the country. According to County Health Rankings, less than 50 percent of women in Benewah, Boundary and Shoshone counties are receiving the recommended screenings.

“Routine screening and early detection saves lives,” Tina continued. “Someone may be going through a hard, busy or financially unstable time, but that doesn’t mean they should lose the ability to access crucial, preventative screening.”

PHD has been offering Women’s Health Check and the Komen mammogram program for 18 years. Each year, about 4,000 Idaho women are screened. Through Women’s Health Check, 90 cases of cancer were detected throughout the state in 2014.

This year, as October ends and the pink fades away, Panhandle Health District is asking people to talk to your moms, daughters, sisters and friends — not just about the risks of breast cancer — but also about making an appointment to get screened. Women’s Health Check can help those who are struggling to find access. To get enrolled and learn more about Women’s Health Check, call Panhandle Health District at (208) 415-5140.