About Buddy Check 12

Everyone knows if you detect breast cancer early, your odds of beating it are better than 90 percent so it makes sense to do self exams. Fifteen years ago, First Coast News' Jeannie Blaylock partnered with Baptist Health to create Buddy Check 12 -- designed to promote monthly breast self-examinations and to educate women on the importance of early detection.

To date, more than 757,000 people in Jacksonville have requested Buddy Check 12 packets. In fact, we now have Buddy programs in 39 cities across the United States. Here?s the best part, more than 260 local women say Buddy Check 12 saved their lives.

It is as simple as 1-2-3: Step 1: Call the Buddy Check 12 Hot Line at Baptist Health (904) 202-CARE (2273) to get your free Buddy Kit.

Step 2: Get a buddy, someone you care about, your mother, aunt, friend, co-worker, etc. and put the reminder stickers on the 12th day of each month.

Step 3: On Buddy Check 12 day ? the 12th of every month ? do your self-exam and remind your buddy. If you find a lump, call your doctor right away.

Watch for your Buddy Check 12 Update Watch First Coast News on the 12th of every month for your Buddy Check 12 update. And if you have any questions, you can call the Buddy Check 12 Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If Buddy Check 12 has helped you or someone you know, please call Jeannie at (904) 633-8817 or e-mail Jblaylock@firstcoastnews.com

©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.