Dear Friends, Every 23 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with breast cancer and every 69 seconds, someone in the world loses their life because of it. In fact, one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. ages 40-59. Yet, recent studies suggest that many women are not following the recommended guidelines for mammography screening- which may lead to more advanced tumor size and stage at diagnosis. Over one-third of women in the U.S. today - some 23 million women - are already not receiving regular recommended screening due to lack of access, education or awareness. Perhaps these statistics bring to mind someone close to you who is fighting, or has fought, bravely against breast cancer. Maybe you are a woman who is not getting regular screenings yet, or perhaps you are close to one who hasn't yet taken that step. Whoever you are, and whatever stage of life you are in, there is a way for you to help make an impact during Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Take steps to detect. Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk. Contribute to the cause. Donate in honor of a loved one fighting breast cancer, or get a head start on Christmas shopping at http://www.shopkomen.com/. Lift up the survivors around you. Ask how they are doing, and what you can do to help.
Sincerely, State Rep. Dave Frizzell *statistics from the Susan G. Komen Foundation |
