Georgia residents, breast cancer survivors and state public
health experts gathered today at the Academy of Medicine in Midtown
Atlanta with Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to share the importance
of early detection in the fight against breast cancer and to
unveil the newly designed Georgia Breast Cancer License Plate.
Oct. 20 marked Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day in
Georgia and the 10th anniversary of the state’s BreasTEST & More
program. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Georgia is committed to educating our citizens about the
importance of breast cancer screening, early detection and healthy
living,” said Gov. Perdue. “I encourage the people
of Georgia to support the work of cancer prevention and detection.
The earlier a diagnosis is made, the greater the chances for
successfully treating the disease.”
Survivors and residents were joined at the event by representatives
with the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public
Health, Georgia Cancer Coalition, American Cancer Society and
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The BreasTEST & More program was initiated by the DHR and
provides free or reduced-cost mammograms to low income and uninsured
Georgia women ages 40 and older. Women who are eligible can receive
mammograms at local health departments around the state. About
15,000 Georgia women receive screening services through BreasTEST & More
each year. Since the program’s inception, more than 600
women have learned they needed treatment for cancer.
DHR and the Georgia Cancer Coalition also have partnered with
the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety to promote the
Georgia Breast Cancer license plate. Proceeds from purchase of
this special state tag provide screening and treatment services
for Georgians in need. The Breast Cancer plates are available
year-round at county tag offices and also may be ordered on the
Vehicle Registration Renewal Form sent to car owners in the mail
by the DMVS.
“Buying a Breast Cancer tag is an easy and important action
step people can take to fight this terrible disease in Georgia.
It can make a real difference in helping to ensure that all Georgians
get the breast cancer screening and treatment services they need,” states
Bill Todd, President of the Georgia Cancer Coalition.
About 6,000 Georgia women will be diagnosed with breast cancer
this year, and at least 1,000 women in the state are expected
to die from the disease. Mammograms have been shown to lower
the number of deaths caused by breast cancer by more than 30
percent.
“Annual mammograms save lives,” said Ruth Schultz,
program director for the Georgia DHR breast and cervical cancer
program. “It is the best action that a woman over the age
of 40 can take to detect breast cancer in its early stages when
the disease is most treatable. Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness
Day allows us to emphasize the lifesaving benefits of routine
mammograms.”
DHR and the American Cancer Society recommend that women over
40 get a mammogram every one to two years. Women who have had
breast cancer or breast problems, or those with a family history
of breast cancer, should start mammograms at a younger age. Consult
with your health care provider to determine a screening plan
that is right for you.
In addition to seeking routine mammograms and undergoing clinical
breast examinations, all women should conduct monthly breast
self-exams beginning at the age of 20. Regardless of age, a woman
should talk to a health care provider immediately if they find
a lump or notice changes in their breasts.
To learn more about breast cancer and the BreasTEST & More
program, call 1-800-4CANCER, or visit www.georgiacancer.org.
