Paint Tusc Pink continues to raise awareness of breast cancer
NEW PHILADELPHIA − The annual Paint Tusc Pink campaign launched in Tuscarawas County on Monday with commissioners proclaiming October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The campaign is designed to generate attention to the importance of regular screening mammograms for early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer.
More:Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital kicks off annual Paint Tusc Pink campaign
"Mammograms are key for us to be able detect and identify cancer early so we can start treatment," Dr. Tom Rogers, president of Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital, told commissioners. "So that is one of the things we want to be able to do with Paint Tusc Pink is to be able to introduce screening and think about breast cancer and the ability to be able to get these screenings done early."
Breast cancer awareness and the Paint Tusc Pink campaign
The COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for people to get preventative maintenance done on themselves, he said.
"Despite that, in Tuscarawas County 62% of women have reported having a mammogram in their lifetime and 71% of women age 40 or over had a mammogram within the last two years. That's outstanding," Rogers said.
Paint Tusc Pink is a free community program sponsored by Cleveland Union Hospital’s Community Health and Wellness Department and the Regional Cancer Center at Union Hospital, and is co-sponsored by Trinity Hospital Twin City, the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce and WJER Radio.
The campaign is approaching its 15th anniversary. Darrin Lautenschleger, corporate communications manager at Union Hospital, noted that when Paint Tusc Pink began, barely 50% of patients in Tuscarawas County were getting preventative mammograms done.
Commissioner Al Landis asked if the hospital is having to play catchup now in getting people screened for breast cancer because of the pandemic.
"We think so, and not just with breast cancer screening," Rogers answered. "We think other cancer screenings as well. In fact, we've noticed our emergency room visits are down, OR (operating room) visits are down."
Breast cancer awareness events in Tuscarawas County
The hospital’s Community Health and Wellness nurses will host a free breast cancer awareness program at the hospital on Oct. 18 at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation from Laura Meiler, a hospital general surgeon. Raena Beans, the hospital’s breast care coordinator, also will share information.
All attendees will receive a goodie bag and light refreshments will be served. The event is limited to 50 attendees, and registration is required by calling 330-602-0779.
Union Hospital serves as the contact point for the popular Paint Tusc Pink yard signs that can be used as part of displays. There is no cost to participate.
Businesses, schools and organizations that put up a display or simply want to have a Paint Tusc Pink sign can contact Union Hospital’s Community Relations Department at 330-365-3866, or send an e-mail to lautend2@ccf.org.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Paint Tusc Pink campaign planned for October
