MCAS Cherry Point  –   For one staff member serving at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, October holds deep personal significance, reflecting her passion for caring for her patients and raising breast cancer awareness.

Mrs. Emily Corey, RN, CDCES, a native of New Bern, North Carolina, is the clinic’s Breast Care Coordinator and plays a critical role in the facility’s observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October.

“I have always been passionate about Breast Cancer Awareness.  I even did my Senior Project in High School on it,” said Corey.  “In recent years, it has become even more important to me as a close family member battled and beat her diagnosis.”

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.  While breast cancer is rare in men, it does carry a higher mortality rate because “men are less likely to assume a lump is breast cancer,” according to the foundation.

In a March 2024 report to the Congressional Defense Committees titled “Incidence of Breast Cancer Among Members of the Armed Forces Services on Active Duty,” it was found that of the 3,400,394 service members on active duty, 1,064 were diagnosed with breast cancer, representing approximately 0.03 percent of the active population, with the data reflecting an overall decline in incidence rates over time (page 3).

Corey’s service aboard the clinic ensures that active-duty service members stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, their families and beneficiaries receive the care and resources needed when they have an abnormal mammogram or a formal diagnosis. 

“I assist women and men in our clinic who have been diagnosed [with breast cancer] and I get to see firsthand the determination they have,” said Corey.  “It is always such an inspiration!”

Corey’s role is critical in ensuring service members remain medically ready by knowing the indicators of the disease and connecting them with resources to aid in their treatment and recovery.  Her duties also provide service members peace-of-mind as their family member navigates care and treatment for breast cancer.

Aboard the clinic, Corey organized a “1 in 8 Fitness Challenge” for staff to walk, jog or run at least 8 miles individually or as part of a group in October to raise awareness of the breast cancer diagnosis rate among women.   She engaged fellow staff throughout the month with breast cancer education material and also placed a “Tree of Hope” in the clinic’s lobby for staff and patients to honor those who have fought or are fighting breast cancer by placing a pink ribbon with their name on the white tree.