Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 23/02) - Over the last couple of years a number of projects have been created in the North to facilitate breast cancer awareness.

Money raised through the Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run For a Cure has been directly invested in developing Northern support programs and materials.

"The things we have produced from the run for a cure have gone right across the North," said Ruby Trudel from the NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group.

One of the group's functions is to apply for project based grant funding.

Funds raised have been used to create a breast cancer toolkit and an awareness video.

The toolkit provides basic information through a tabletop display, a breast model that has lumps that women can feel to help them learn what to look for and written take away information. A toolkit is available through each of the territorial health boards.

The video interviews Northern women in regards to their experiences and presents information on breast health including self examination, clinical examination and mammography.

The video is available in Northern health centres, libraries and mammography programs.

This year the group is looking to fund additional staff hours breast health and awareness coordinator.

Currently the position operates from September to March on a half time basis.

"Right now it is only for half the year and that half year is at half time," said Trudel.

Last year the Run for A cure was well supported by Northerners who raised over $160,000 and beat the per participant national average.

Runs will be held in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Norman Wells Hay River and Ft. Simpson this year on Oct. 6.