PAMPERED — Annabell Reynolds, a cosmetology student at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, painted the nails of breast cancer survivor Terry Jennings during Trinity Health System’s Faith Over Fear Pop-In Friday. -- Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — The lobby of Trinity Medical Center East was awash with the color pink Friday for Trinity Health System’s Faith Over Fear Pop-In event promoting breast cancer prevention.

Offered for the second year in a row, the event sought to “pamper” women with refreshments, cosmetology services, photo opportunities and more, while providing resources about breast cancer early detection practices.

“Today is National Mammography Day, so this is our way of reminding women in the community to take care of themselves,” Laurie Labishak, Trinity’s marketing director, said, adding later: “It’s all free for the women — just our way of saying ‘thank you’ and reminding them to take care of themselves because prevention is key. If you catch breast cancer early, it is truly curable.”

Event attendees could speak with staff from Trinity East’s Images Mammography Center, which provides screening and diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsy procedures. Images’ Patient Navigator Kayla Beaver gave away free gifts and advised women on how they can monitor their own breast health.

“My advice is always to become familiar with your own breasts,” Beaver said. “Do your own breast self-exams and know what your breasts feel like. Tell someone if something feels different. Call your provider and let them know you’re having issues. Of course, keep up with your screening mammograms and don’t wait.”

Mammograms are X-ray examinations of the breast that are used to detect abnormalities in the tissue. Attendees could schedule mammogram appointments during the event.

Women should begin having yearly mammograms at age 40, Beaver said, but individuals with heightened risk for breast cancer — for reasons like family history — may need to begin screening earlier.

Beaver noted there’s a stereotype that only women can develop breast cancer. In truth, she said, men can develop the disease, although it is less likely. Men can also undergo mammograms, Beaver said, adding that Images has witnessed cases of men developing breast cancer.

“If men see changes within their breasts at all, don’t be embarrassed. Tell someone because they could also have breast cancer,” Beaver said.

Also present to share their resources and services were representatives from the Women in Action Against Cancer Coalition of Jefferson County and Diversity Health Initiative, in collaboration with the Ohio Valley Health Center.

As for the pampering, women could snack on cookies emblazoned with breast cancer prevention messages from Tracie’s Bake Shop or a number of other refreshments, including sandwiches from Federico Foods.

Students from Jefferson County Joint Vocational School’s cosmetology program provided manicures and hand massages for attendees. Brianne Schoolcraft, senior cosmetology instructor, said students were present at last year’s event and hope to be present for all future ones.

“It’s great for our kids to get the experience, bringing them out into the community and getting client interaction. It’s a great thing to support,” Schoolcraft said.

Additionally, two massage therapists from EndoMyoMassage offered chair massages.

Individuals could take photos with an indoor backdrop or outside with a 1978 Volkswagen bus as part of Smiley Ann’s Photo Van. The van’s owner, Ann Marie McConaghy, said she’s glad to be a part of the event because her mother and aunt had breast cancer.

There were also a number of door prizes and other giveaways, as well as floral arrangement by Johnnies Florist at James.

Taking advantage of the event’s offerings was Sandy Grimes, who was joined by her mother, Lorna Flesher, and longtime family friend Sandy Kovach, after whom she’s named.

Grimes was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2023 following her yearly mammogram, which she’s been regularly getting since she was 40. At that point, she recalled, the cancer was in a very early phase, considered Stage 0.

Thus, Grimes was spared from chemotherapy and only had to undergo surgery and radiation treatment, as well as hormone blocking medication, which she must take for the next five years. She completed radiation treatment in May 2023.

The day after finishing radiation, Grimes began attending the breast cancer support group at the Tony Teramana Cancer Center at Trinity Medical Center West. She said the group has supplied her with many new friends who share her experience with the disease.

Grimes said Trinity’s event was “wonderful” and advised women to “keep up with your mammograms.”