By Reese Bentzinger

Ten years ago the NFL and the American Cancer Society teamed up in order to reach the same goal: raising awareness of cancer risk and prevention.

The Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center celebrated this partnership, as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on October 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a luncheon at their 825 Euclid location. Guest treated themselves to chicken and bundt cake while being informed about how to reduce their risk of breast cancer. The various organizations tied into this event had a united vision.

“Our main goal is to be able to have women be able to be screened through mammography,” said Paula Hoffman, Director of Population Health and Diagnostic Services at Samuel U. Rodgers.

Hoffman used mammogram examples to show what breast cancer looks like. One of the key points that was stressed throughout the event was that  women should get annual mammogram check ups starting at 40, if not earlier. She encouraged listeners to go see a doctor if anything appears out of the ordinary.

“The secondary goal is for people to receive education,” Hoffman said. “Men, women, and children should receive education about breast cancer health, about rectal, about HPV. It’s just educating people to understand and take care of their health.”

The health center not only provides education about cancer, but also a place to get checked up should there be any concerns.

“I think just letting people understand that it doesn’t have to be scary by making it something they’re a little more comfortable with and educating,” said Randy Withers, manager of Marketing and Communications at Samuel U. Rodgers. “Letting them know that these services are here and that even if they’re struggling, you don’t have a way to cover the cost … we’re in it to provide the care that they need.”

The NFL and the American Cancer have both provided grants to the health care center to make sure that people can get the care they need. If you or a loved one needs a mammogram check up, Samuel U. Rodgers will be there to provide it.