Mel’s Club Celebrates 10 Years of Providing Breast Health Education for Young Women

The MaryEllen Locher Breast Center is scheduling presentations for “Mel’s Club,’’ a breast health education program for teen and college-aged women. 

Mel’s Club equips and educates students in three key areas: myths and misconceptions regarding breast cancer; facts, warning signs, and prevention; and tools and training in how to do a breast self-exam. 

Mel’s Club launched in 2014 and is named after MaryEllen Locher, a long-time local news anchor and health reporter who passed away in 2005 after her third bout with cancer.  Now celebrating its 10th year, Mel’s Club has educated thousands of girls in area schools on the importance of breast health beginning at an early age. 

"We're excited to offer Mel's Club, an educational program designed to empower young women to take charge of their breast health.  It's important for them to understand that breast health is a vital part of overall well-being, and it's something they should be aware of at any age,” shared Brittany Hennessee, director of breast services at CHI Memorial and MaryEllen Locher Breast Center.  “By dispelling the misconception that breast cancer is only a concern for older generations, Mel's Club encourages young women to prioritize their health and take proactive steps toward a healthy future."

The program uses a curriculum developed by the Prevent Cancer Foundation in cooperation with the Howard University Cancer Center.  A breast cancer survivor shares her personal story during the presentation.

Mel’s Club presentations are available for high school and college-aged young women in schools, church youth groups, or civic and community agencies. The program is usually taught in health, wellness, or physical education classes in area schools. Each student is given a packet of information to take home and share with other women in their families. 

While breast cancer statistically impacts older women at a higher rate, younger women are affected as well. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women ages 15 to 39, according to national statistics. About 12,000 women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. In young women, the disease tends to be diagnosed in its later stages and be more aggressive. Young women also have a higher mortality rate and higher risk of metastatic recurrence (return of breast cancer in areas beyond the breast).

To schedule a presentation, contact Brittany Hennessee, MaryEllen Locher Breast Center director, at [email protected], or call (423) 495-4603. More information can also be found at memorial.org/mel-club.