October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month occupies a special place on The Healing Project's (THP) calendar. Our organization was founded by Debra Lachance, a breast cancer survivor. Our Board of Directors includes scientist H. Michael Shepard, PhD who led the Herceptin discovery team at Genentech. Dr. Shepard continues to develop novel medications for treating a range of diseases including Breast Cancer as president and CSO of Receptor BioLogix. THP has also benefited greatly from the support of Scientific Advisory Board Member, Stephanie F. Bernik, MD, FACS. Dr. Bernik is Chief of Breast Surgery for the comprehensive breast program at St. Vincent's Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York City. She is noted for her efforts in creating treatment protocols for women under 40.

Fast Facts About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States.
178,480 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2007.
40,460 women will die from the disease this year.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer).
2 million women are living in the United States who have been treated for breast cancer.
African American Women are much likely to die of Breast Cancer.
2,030 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in the United States.

Early Detection and Treatment will Save Your Life.

What is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in one or both of the breasts. Breast cancer usually develops in the ducts or lobules, also known as the milk-producing areas of the breast.

October 17th is National Mammography Day. Many sites will be offering free and low-cost mammographies. If you have not had a mammography recently, please sign up.

Free and Low-Cost Mammographies (Some programs are for this month only or on October 17th):
The American College of Radiology - Search for these facilities in your area. The facilities that are participating will be listed with a pink ribbon designation.
Local Susan G. Komen Foundation Affiliate: Komen affiliates raise money to help local underserved women obtain breast health services. The affiliate will have a listing of organizations to which they have granted funding, so call to see what services might be available in your area. To locate your nearest affiliate, log onto the Komen Foundation Web site.
Planned Parenthood Clinics: Women can make an appointment for all types of low-cost or free health services, including breast health, with the clinic nearest them by calling 1-800-230-PLAN (800-230-7526).
YWCA Encore Plus Programs: Services are provided on a sliding scale. Screening mammography is available to women 35 years and older who are medically underserved. Call 1-800-95-EPLUS (1-800-953-7587).
CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programs: Offer low-cost mammograms and clinical breast exams to women between the ages of 40-64. States are legally able to narrow the age range, so call your state to find out if you are eligible for this program. They may also have information about other facilities in their area for younger women. Call toll-free 1-888-842-6355 or log onto the above Web site for information specific to your area.

Resources:
• Mammograms: Questions and answers about screening
• National Cancer Institute: What you need to know about breast cancer
Visit The Healing Project's Resource Page and Select Breast Cancer for an exhaustive list of Breast Cancer Resources.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Board of Sponsors
C1C-315
1800 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19850-5437
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http://www.nbcam.org/
Contact: Cynthia Church