October is awareness month for breast cancer, domestic violence, depression

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lisa Spilinek
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB., Mass. --  October is often known for changing weather, falling leaves and pumpkins. There are, however, three more serious topics associated with this month. October is the month designated to raise the public's awareness of breast cancer, depression and domestic violence. 

Hanscom people should be aware that help and information are available for each through various base agencies.

Breast Cancer awareness: 
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells specifically in the breast tissue grow out of control. Breast cancer ranks second only to certain skin cancers as the most common cancer in women. Currently, breast cancer accounts for approximately one of every three new cancers diagnosed. While, men are at a lower risk of developing breast cancer, they should still be aware of the risks factors and symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society Web site, www.cancer.org. 
 
There are three main tests used to screen for breast cancer: mammogram, clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider and breast self-exam. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is recommended every one to two years for women aged 40 years and older. According to the Department of Health and Human Services Web site, www.hhs.gov/breastcancer/screening.html, mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early and have been found to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Those who choose to have clinical breast exams or to perform breast self-exams, should be sure to also get regular mammograms. 

The 66th Medical Group does not have mammogram capability, though a clinical breast exam is accomplished as part of a well-women exam at the Hanscom Clinic, at which time the primary care manager can place a computerized referral for the patient to have a mammogram at a network facility, said Capt. Courtney Finkbeiner, 66th Medical Group Health Care integrator. 

Beneficiaries of the Hanscom Clinic enrolled in Tricare Prime or those who are age 40 or older who have not had mammogram in the past year can self-refer for a mammogram at one of the following network facilities: Lahey Clinic: (781) 744-8000 (Burlington, Peabody and Lexington locations); Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Care Center: (781) 672-2010 (Lexington location); Emerson Hospital: (978) 287-8107 (Concord or Westford locations); and Nashoba Valley Medical Center: (978) 784-9270 (Ayer location). 

For more information or for assistance with mammogram referrals, contact Florence Cruz, 66 MDG Women's Health coordinator nurse educator, at (781) 377-2394, or Capt. Courtney Finkbeiner, Health Care integrator, for more information on breast cancer.

Domestic violence awareness:
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior which may include a combination of physical, sexual, economic, emotional and/or psychological abuse by an intimate or family member, said Schwanna Collins, Family Advocacy intervention specialist. 

"It crosses all ethnic, racial and socioeconomic lines. About one-third of all female murder victims are killed by their current or former partners; between 70 and 75 percent of the children of abused mothers are the victims of domestic abuse as well," she said. 

The Family Advocacy Program is encouraging the Hanscom community to help prevent intimate partner violence by taking an active role in promoting healthy relationships. Throughout the month the exhibit, "Empty Place at the Table" has been on display at the Hanscom Base Exchange to show the impact that domestic violence creates in families. 

"Domestic violence is a deadly crime that creates a painful void -- a permanent empty place. This exhibit captures the reality by including a victim's personal story and personal items such as a scarf," Ms. Collins said. 

Literature on domestic violence is also available at the display. For more information on domestic violence, call the Family Advocacy Program at (781) 377-4617.

Depression awareness:
According to Ina Bachman, Civilian Employee Assistance Program, depression can hit anyone at any time. 

"Sometimes there is a precipitating event, other times it is gradual accumulation of stressors that an individual can no longer endure," she said. 

Some common symptoms of depression include overeating or loss of appetite, oversleeping or insomnia, withdrawal and isolation from friends and family, low self-esteem, hopelessness, a sense of worthlessness, loss of energy, inability to enjoy life or have fun, difficulty with concentration, increase in mistakes and accidents, difficulty in reaching out and thoughts or plans about suicide. 

While all of these symptoms may not occur for everyone, those who experience many of them for more than a week or two should seek help, Ms. Bachman said. 

"If depression is left untreated, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Though depression feels insurmountable to the person who is experiencing it, it can be successfully treated, and the person can return to their full level of functioning," she said.
To find out more about depression visit the Federal Occupational Health Employee Assistance Program Web sit at www.foh4you.com.  

Membership is not required to access the site, which contains articles on depression and other mental health issues. The FOH EAP offers free, confidential counseling services to Hanscom Department of Defense civilian employees. Call (800) 462-1812 to schedule an appointment. Servicemembers can their family members can utilize counseling services offered through the Mental Health Office, which can be reached at (781) 377-4791.