OTTUMWA, Iowa — The annual Ottumwa Regional Health Center Breast Cancer Awareness Walk was held for the fourth time Saturday.
The health center organizes this event every year to raise awareness about this disease.
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 13.1 percent of women will be diagnosed with female breast cancer at some point in their lives.
People who walked to the hospital today learned more about the disease, early warning signs and the importance of regular testing.
Students from Indian Hills Community College volunteered to help with the event.
Warriors who attended the event said they wanted to give back to the Ottumwa community by spreading awareness.
“We decided to work with the hospital today because we’re part of Indian Hills Community College and we’re part of Ottumwa,” Indian Hills student Lily Reneker said. “We really want to work with local hospitals to support them, help patients and bring communities together.”
Representatives from the Ottumwa Regional Health Center said they are excited to work with the students.
After Saturday’s event, they hope the students will continue to do their part to educate others about breast cancer.
“We hope our students will gain a deeper understanding of breast cancer,” said Lisa Garrison, director of diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, cardiac catheterization lab, and chest pain coordinator at Ottumwa Regional Health Center. I know that I don’t understand it,” he said. Learn about early detection of breast cancer. So we just hope it brings some awareness to them and then they can help us spread awareness.
Medical experts at the event urged women to get regular mammograms to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer.
