Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 18, 2005

As another season begins, and we celebrate the coming of Fall, now is the time for the women in all our lives to think about prevention - the prevention of breast cancer. October marks the 21st year of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month set aside to encourage government officials, businesses, communities, health care professionals, educators, community volunteers, and all Americans to renew our Nation's commitment to controlling and curing the disease.

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Although we do not yet know the exact causes of breast cancer, researchers have discovered several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, including age, characteristics of certain genes, and a family history of breast cancer. It is important for individuals to seek medical advice about risk factors and screening methods.

While overall death rates from this disease have come down every year since 1991, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 211,240 new invasive cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. this year alone. And, according to the National Cancer Institute, based on current rates, one in every eight women born in the U.S. today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.

Earlier this fall, the President proclaimed the month of October 2005 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In conjunction with the observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Friday, October, 21, 2005, has been designated as National Mammography Day. This day has been established as a "day of reminder" for all women in America to pick a specific date on which to get a mammogram. This could be her birthday, an anniversary, a holiday, or some other date of significance. For this test is significant for women's health and well-being.

The importance of early detection cannot be overstated; likewise the importance of regular screenings and mammograms. Do it for yourself, do it for your family.

http://hinojosa.house.gov/news/opinion.cfm?id=746