This October, the Saint Francis Medical Center Auxiliary will again offer Mamm-O-Grams – a unique reminder of the importance of yearly breast exams. Available beginning October 9, the Mamm-O-Gram, reminiscent of an old-fashioned telegram, can relay the importance of a yearly breast exam while serving as a reminder to someone who may be too busy to think of herself.

A $3 donation will buy a pink carnation on October 9 or a pink-ribbon balloon thereafter with a personalized note hand-delivered (in the Medical Center) by a Saint Francis Volunteer to the person of your choice. The Mamm-O-Grams may be picked up in the Volunteer Services office on or after October 9.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Saint Francis is committed to raising awareness of this widespread disease. The Mamm-O-Grams are sponsored by the Saint Francis Auxiliary as part of its commitment to increasing awareness of breast cancer. All proceeds from the service will go to Dig for Life, a collaborative program through Saint Francis and Southeast Missouri State University volleyball athletes that provides free mammography screenings and other assistance to area women who could not otherwise afford them.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States, following lung cancer. However, great strides in early detection and improved treatment have decreased breast cancer deaths. Mammography plays a key role in early detection. Through mammography, a doctor can detect breast cancer one to three years before a lump may be felt. Clinical breast exams should be part of a periodic health exam, every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and older.

To send a Mamm-O-Gram, visit the Saint Francis Gift Shops or Volunteer Services office. Payment is due with order. For more information, call 573-331-5166.

In addition to the Mamm-O-Grams, the Auxiliary will host a Pink Pumpkin Bake Sale Friday, October 30 in the old dining room area of the Medical Center. Homemade baked goods featuring pink breast cancer awareness ribbons will be available from 8 am until all are sold.