Breast Center Helps Girl Scouts Understand the Importance of Early Detection for Breast Cancer

Local Girl Scout troops working toward their In the Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Interest Project Award are invited to tour the Breast Center at Houston Northwest Medical Center, watch a video about breast self-examination, and learn about the risk factors for breast cancer.

Girl Scout founder Juliette Low died in 1927 at the age of 66 from breast cancer. In 1996, Girl Scouts around the world learned that she died of the disease. Two years later, the seed was planted for the San Jacinto Girl Scouts’ Breast Cancer Awareness Interest Project. In the Pink is one of 88 Girl Scout Interest Project Awards, which are earned grade-level awards.

Girl Scout cadettes and seniors visiting the hospital will have the opportunity to learn more about breast cancer and talk with health professionals about the disease so they can have a better understanding about the importance of early detection for breast cancer. They will also learn about mammography and its importance in detection, see equipment up close, and hear about how mammography works. Their experience at the hospital is designed to help them earn their In the Pink Interest Project Award.

Girl Scout troops interested in scheduling a free field trip to the hospital can call Tosha Morton, RT(R)(M)(CT), Breast Center manager, at (281) 440-2544. Visits to the hospital will last approximately one hour and can be arranged for convenient after-school hours.