TELUS 'Tour for the Cure' visits Campbell River

Campbell River Courier-Islander

The TELUS Tour for the Cure - an interactive touring exhibit promoting the value and importance of breast health and mammography, arrived at the Campbell River Common shopping centre Wednesday and will remain until Sunday.

The tour is visiting 24 communities and providing 42 aboriginal breast health sessions around B.C. until November. Every woman in B.C. 40 years of age and older is eligible for a free annual mammogram, however, less than half of eligible women get the exam.

Campbell River breast cancer survivor Nancy Bryson was at the opening of the exhibit Wednesday. She said she and numerous family members have battled breast cancer and she recommends that every woman get a mammogram.

"I plead with every one of you, get your mammograms done," Bryson said.

Suzanne Bennett, vice-president of the Health Sciences Association (HSA) also spoke Wednesday, saying it's vital to raise awareness of the need for more workers in the health care field in order to ensure the staff is available to ensure that the necessary mammograms get done.

Women over 40 can make a mammogram appointment by calling 1-888-GO-HAVE-1.