Friday, October 17, 2003

Today is Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Governor Sonny Perdue and Georgia’s mayors have proclaimed Oct. 15 as Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day in Georgia. They join people throughout the state to simultaneously acknowledge the importance of breast cancer screening in saving lives during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

“This is a timely and important effort. I am glad that the Georgia Cancer Coalition, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health and the American Cancer Society are working together, using Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day to rally everyone across Georgia on this one day to emphasize the importance of cancer screening,” said Perdue. “I encourage the people of Georgia to do whatever they can on Oct. 15 to support the work of preventing cancer and detecting existing cancer earlier. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chance doctors have to successfully treat the disease.”

“We are grateful to Gov. Perdue and the mayors of Georgia for supporting Breast Cancer Prevention and

Awareness Day,” said GCC president Russ Toal. “Their leadership is crucial to bringing much needed

attention to preventing breast cancer. With regular screening, many lives can be saved. We want everyone to get this message and act on it. This special day is important in helping to do just that.”

DHR, Division of Public Health and the American Cancer Society recommend that all women 40 and older have regular mammograms (x-ray of the breast). According to the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System published by DHR, Division of Public Health, approximately 20 percent of Georgia women 40 and older have not received breast cancer screenings in the past two years.

“Being female and older puts women at higher risk for developing the disease, said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., MPH, Director, DHR, Division of Public Health. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day are important reminders for women, their families and friends about the life saving practice of regular checkups. Everyone has to get involved to make a difference. That’s what this day is all about — getting personally involved to save lives.”

“Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day is much needed because it raises awareness about the fact that the earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances for successful treatment,” said Linda Edwards, chief mission officer of the American Cancer Society, Southeast Division. “Because most cases of breast cancer cannot be prevented, finding breast cancer early and treating it are the most important strategies in preventing deaths from the disease and decreasing the chance of having to remove the breast. Results from over 40 years of research clearly show that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have their breast cancer found early.”

Women 40 to 64 years of age who cannot afford a mammogram, may be eligible to receive the health screenings they need at low or no cost through the BreasTEST & MORE Program offered by DHR, Division of Public Health and administered through local health departments statewide. About 15,000 Georgia women receive screening services through BreasTEST & MORE each year. Since 1995, the BreasTEST & MORE Program has helped more than 600 women to find out that they needed treatment for cancer.

Mark October 15th on your calendar and schedule your mammogram appointment today. To learn more about screening services and Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day activities in your area. Call the Fayette County Health Department at 770-460-5730 or call 1-800-4CANCER, or visit www.georgiacancer.org.