Engler Declares October Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Mammography Day is Friday, October 15

Governor John Engler has proclaimed October Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 15th, Mammography Day in Michigan. This year, approximately 175,000 women in the United States will learn that they have breast cancer and more than 43,000 will lose their lives - 1,600 in the state of Michigan alone.

"Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer,” said Governor Engler. “When breast cancer is diagnosed before it spreads beyond the breast and with appropriate treatment, a woman has a 97 percent chance of surviving at least five years and most likely, much longer. I urge all citizens to make sure that the women in their lives seek regular breast cancer screening."

Yearly mammograms and a physical breast exam are recommended for all women 40 years of age and older. All women, regardless of age, are urged to do self breast exams monthly.

The Michigan Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) provides free annual breast and cervical cancer screening to low income women 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. Since 1991, the program has provided nearly 110,000 screenings to Michigan women. As a result, more than 625 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer and given access to life-saving treatment. For more information, call 1-800-922-MAMM.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, many health agencies, organizations, local coalitions and retailers are sponsoring breast cancer awareness events and activities.

• The American Cancer Society is also sponsoring its "Tell-A-Friend Tuesday" program on October 5. Local American Cancer Society chapters across Michigan are recruiting volunteers to call at least five women 40 years of age and older to remind them about the importance of yearly mammograms.

• The Karmanos Cancer Institute will host its annual "Heroes of Breast Cancer" luncheon Tuesday, October 12, at the Somerset Inn in Troy. The event honors individuals and organizations that have advanced the fight against breast cancer in Michigan through research, education, early detection, treatment, or survivorship. The keynote speaker will be Nancy Brinker, founder of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

• On October 16, the American Cancer Society will be sponsoring its seventh annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. This year, 37 cities nationwide will be participating in Making Strides walking events which are designed to raise awareness of breast cancer and help raise money toward a cure. In Michigan, Making Strides will take place in Lansing, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo. All money raised from the event will be invested back into the community to fund breast cancer initiatives.

Local Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Programs across Michigan have planned community wide events to help promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These events range from cancer survivor retreats and educational presentations to fundraising activities and luncheons. For organizations wishing to sponsor Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, the Michigan Department of Community Health has made available posters, flyers, brochures, and other educational resources.