As diagnostic imaging manager at Bartlett Regional Hospital, Ernest Wick knows all about picture-taking - of the body, that is.

It's difficult to get health care services in many of Alaska's remote communities. Services may not be offered locally, so women need to travel to get routine screening tests such as their annual mammogram.

General surgeon Dr. Pamela Gruchacz understands the ins and outs of surgery, especially breast surgery. About 30 percent of her practice at Bartlett Regional Hospital involves breast surgery.

For Family Nurse Practitioner Justine Emerson, the chance she would contract breast cancer seemed highly improbable. Nonetheless, she was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma in March 2006.

SITKA - The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium WISEWOMAN and Breast and Cervical Health programs are teaming up with Planned Parenthood of Alaska's Sitka Health Center to offer a free health clinic for women on Saturday. The free clinic is in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, which is a perfect time to start a tradition of prevention.

There were three particularly important women diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1970s: Betty Ford, Happy Rockefeller and my mom.

The following is information from the American Cancer Society Web site regarding screening and detection strategies for the public:

Imagine getting hit by a car while riding your bike. You sustain a broken right shoulder, a broken right arm and five cracked ribs. Then, just 10 months later, you are diagnosed with breast cancer.

SITKA - October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To celebrate the month the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium's Breast and Cervical Health Program, Sitka Community Hospital, Brenner's Fine Clothing and Gifts, the Sitka Cancer Survivor's Society and other groups are teaming up to host several breast cancer awareness events in Sitka.

SOUTHEAST - The mobile mammography van will visit Klawock, Sept. 26-Oct. 9; Craig, Oct. 10-13; and Metlakatla, Oct. 17-23, this summer and early fall.

JUNEAU - Bartlett Regional Hospital is sponsoring the "Let's Quit!" group smoking cessation program.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as women across the nation are pinning on their pink ribbons, they're also looking to learn more about this life-threatening disease - and how to prevent it. As a dietitian, I think women need more information on how they can make healthy lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

The First Friday of the fall includes a number of receptions throughout downtown on Oct. 3. From photographers and painters to potters, October offers a heaping helping of the artistic talents of the capital city. Here's a look at what's going on.