Ottumwa community brings awareness to breast cancer

OTTUMWA, IA — Thursday night, Ottumwa’s Regional Hospital hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.

Alice Brinegar has been the hospital’s mammography tech for about 40 years.

She spoke at the event about the importance of bringing awareness to breast cancer and getting yearly mammograms.

“Come get your mammogram, it's the best thing for your family," said Brinegar. "It's for your wife, your sister, your mother, and your daughter. Encourage them to come to get a mammogram.”

Mammography detects up to 94 percent of breast cancers.

It is recommended for women to start getting mammograms between the ages of 35 to 40.

By age 50, they should be done yearly.

The Ottumwa community and co-workers have felt the impact of Alice’s Brinegar's work.

Director of Imaging Services Lisa Garrison says the Ottumwa community loves Brinegar.

“They come to get their mammogram because she has made them feel comfortable, she definitely relaxes you when you come get your mammogram," said Garrison. "She has just been wonderful for our department, for the mammography department, and for the community.”

For individuals with a family history of breast cancer, mammograms should be done as early as possible.