Several events this month — National Breast Cancer Awareness Month — are designed to educate people about breast cancer or provide opportunities to detect breast cancer.
Vidant Health is behind the events. Each year, October is dedicated to educating women about breast cancer by stressing the importance of early detection through regular self-breast exams and mammography.
“Vidant Health is empowering thousands of women across eastern North Carolina in the fight against breast cancer through early detection, treatment and recovery. Vidant Beaufort Hospital and our physician partners can give you the power, too. Learn more by attending our Pink Power event, women’s health fair and breast cancer screenings,” reads a news release from Vidant Health.
The following events are slated to take place in the region:
• Pink Power Luncheon (hosted by Vidant Beaufort Hospital and Vidant Pungo Hospital), Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m.  to 1 p.m., Beaufort County Community College, Building 10, 5337 U.S. Highway 264 East, Washington. Belhaven-area residents may ride the Vidant Health “Pink Power Express” bus from Vidant Pungo Hospital to Beaufort County Community College. Meet in front of Vidant Pungo Hospital. Depart at 10:30 a.m.; return at 2:15 p.m.
Hear three-time breast cancer survivor, author and consultant, Tina Pruitt. She will share her story with a mix of humor and honesty that inspires people to take control of their lives no matter where they are on life’s journey, according to the release. Each participant will enjoy healthy “power” foods and go home with a Vidant Health Pink Power kit.
Free clinical breast exams are offered in a private setting by a physician or medical provider. Information about the screenings follows:
• Oct. 11, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Vidant Family Medicine-Aurora,151 W. Third St., Aurora.
• Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to noon; Oct. 25, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Vidant Women’s Care, 1204 W. Brown St., Washington.
Note: To attend Pink Power or make an appointment for a screening please call 1-800-472-8500 or visit VidantHealth.com/pinkpower.
• Women’s Health Fair, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to noon, entrance to WalMart, 570 Pamlico Plaza, Washington.
Free screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI. Information and material geared toward women’s health will be provided including physical therapy, mammograms, osteoporosis and cancer.