Drew HEALTH Coalition Encourages Breast Cancer Awareness
October 3rd, 2012 by
Seldom do any of us hear of diseases that were once common in our childhood such as measles and mumps. What made the difference? It was public health prevention that made a difference in containing these life-threatening illnesses.
Today, public health prevention is working with you in the early detection of another illness, including breast cancer. The American Cancer Society’s 2009 Cancer Facts & Figures state that 1 out of every 8 women is at risk of getting breast cancer in her lifetime. For Arkansas women it was estimated that 1,820 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed and 410 women would die of the disease.
Risk factors for Breast Cancer include:
Increasing age;
Family history of breast cancer and inherited breast cancer genes;
Personal history of breast cancer and other breast diseases; and
Hormonal factors.
The key to saving the lives of women in Drew County and across the State is early detection. There are simple tools for early detection – mammography, monthly self-breast exam and an annual exam performed by your doctor. Yet according to the Arkansas Department of Health 2009 County Data estimates 34.4% of women reported they had not had a mammogram in the last two years.
In 1997, the BreastCare program was established to provide breast cancer research, services and education. The program offers public and professional education, screening, diagnostics and treatment for breast cancer. A network of over 300 providers exists statewide. For more information about the BreastCare program call 1 877 670 CARE (2273).
The Drew HEALTH Coalition meets monthly to develop and implement plans to create healthier communities. If you are interested in addressing Breast Cancer, or other health issues, we invited you to attend our monthly meetings. For more information contact Karen Brown at 870-367-6234.
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