Joann Stutzman, RN, has taught more than 2,000 local women how to prevent breast cancer. But when The Corvallis Clinic nurse was asked to teach breast health classes to women in Ghana, she first asked if the women wanted that special type of instruction. The answer was a resounding “yes” and with that Project H.E.R. went international.
Stutzman shared the Ghana women’s story in preparation for breast cancer awareness month in October. She said that African women have been impacted significantly by the disease because of genetics and the environment. An awareness program, led by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, is bring education and awareness to Ghana women.
Stutzman works with local breast cancer patients as part of Project H.E.R., a program that supports and mentors newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and survivors. The program, supported by Komen and The Corvallis Clinic Foundation, has been in existence for 10 years and served more than 2,000 patients. Oregon ranks fifth in the nation for prevalence of breast cancer.
The community will host Pink Week, Oct. 8-13, to be proclaimed by Mayor Julie Manning. During that week, Puttin’ on the Pink Education Day will be held October 10 and Puttin’ on the Pink Style Show will be held October 13. Everyone is encouraged to wear pink.
