Styling for Life Campaign winner in Manitouwadge

by Karina Hunter

Over 40 women in Northwestern Ontario decided to book their first mammogram with the Ontario Breast Screening Program this October thanks to an important conversation with their stylist.

As part of the campaign, women who booked their first appointment with the Ontario Breast Screening Program, were entered into a draw for a chance to win one of three, $100 gift certificates redeemable at their regular Styling 4 Life salon. Pictured are left to right; Jackie Jung, TBDHU, with Manitouwadge winner, Catherine Johnson being presented the certificate by Shear Talent Owner, Elaine Vaillancourt.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Regional Cancer Care, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Northwestern Health Unit launched Northwestern Ontario’s second annual Styling for Life campaign at seventy salons from Kenora to Longlac, promoting breast cancer screening among women age 50 and older. The campaign built on the special relationship between stylists and their clients. Participating salons were provided with simple facts about breast cancer screening and fun promotional items to encourage easy and open conversation between stylists and clients about the importance of breast screening for women.

Regional Cancer Care hoped the campaign would encourage woman to talk with each other about the importance of breast screening and, stylists at our local salons which participated; Shear Talent, MJ’s Hair Salon and Carole’s Mobile Hair Care, felt this had been successfully accomplished “Clients enjoyed the give-a-ways, and used the opportunity
to strike up conversations about breast health” said Donna Brinklow, Stylist at MJ’s Hair Salon.  In Northwestern Ontario, only half of all eligible women are screened regularly for breast cancer it is hoped that campaigns such as Styling for Life will, through awareness, improve this statistic. 

As part of the campaign, women who called to book an appointment were entered into a draw for a chance to win one of three, $100 gift certificates redeemable at their salon. Pictured below are left to right;  Jackie Jung, RN Public Health Nurse TBDHU with Manitouwadge winner, Catherine Johnson and Shear Talent owner, Elaine Vaillancourt. For more information please contact about the Styling for Life campaign, contact Kathryn Lyzun, Regional Cancer Care, at 807-684-7239.

Submitted to The Echo, 01.23.10