BayCare Empowers Women to Take Control of Their Breast Health

While breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent when it is detected early. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BayCare is encouraging women to take an active role in their breast cancer screening by reminding them their health is literally in their hands with the renewal of the In Our Hands campaign.

Launched last year, this successful grassroots, social media movement features black and white photographs of Tampa Bay-area breast cancer survivors, caregivers and supporters with pink painted hands. The pink hands empower women to take control of their breast health by becoming familiar with their bodies, actively talking with their doctor and having conversations with the women in their lives about early detection. The pink hands also represent BayCare’s ability to guide breast cancer patients through screenings, treatment and with a compassionate touch.

The Tampa Bay-area community is encouraged to participate in the In Our Hands movement and it is easy to join. Simply get some pink paint; grab a friend, significant other or family member to take a photo; and strike a pose. Supporters can then change their social media profile picture, use #InOurHands and invite their friends do the same. Or, they can just upload an image and apply the #InOurHandsFilter. Then share with friends and loved ones on Facebook and Twitter or download it for Instagram.

“They say that raising children takes a village, but I say cancer makes a village,” said Shawn Becklund of Oldsmar, a breast cancer survivor featured in the In Our Hands campaign. “Everybody comes together and supports each other.” BayCare offers that support throughout a woman’s entire journey with breast cancer, from pre-diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Its physicians and surgeons specialize in breast health and offer a variety of treatment options. With over a dozen locations throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the Tampa Bay area, BayCare guides women through the treatment process with diagnosis, 3D mammography, breast and plastic surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, support groups, and more. BayCare team members always put their patients first, making their health care experience as comfortable as possible. Visit www.ItsInOurHands.org to learn more.

About BayCare

BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 14 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. Inpatient and outpatient services include acute care, primary care, imaging, laboratory, behavioral health, home care, and wellness. Our mission is to improve the health of all we serve through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit www.baycare.org.

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