For more than 20 years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has educated women about early breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. NBCAM continues reaching out to women with several key messages, most notably, the importance of early detection through annual mammography screening for women over 40, or earlier for women at increased risk.
Mammography screenings are a woman's best chance for detecting breast cancer early. When coupled with new treatment options, mammography screenings can significantly improve a woman's chances of survival. We are pleased that our efforts have contributed to more women than ever participating in mammography screening. Independent reports indicate that this has been instrumental in the increase in the survival rate for women with breast cancer
During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize the progress being made towards a cure for this disease, which robs so many women of their health and, in too many cases, their lives. This year, an estimated 203,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and almost 40,000 will die. Although we have made great medical strides in understanding breast cancer, much remains to be done to advance prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.
Luckily, the Federal Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act allows States to expand Medicaid coverage to low-income, uninsured women who were screened through the CDC program and found to need treatment for breast or cervical cancer. To date, the Department of Health and Human Services has approved this Medicaid eligibility in 45 States.
To prevent breast cancer, we must increase awareness of its risk factors and causes. Age and genetic factors have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. And researchers are now exploring how diet and hormonal factors are linked to possible causes. This information will help women and their doctors make informed health care choices.
Much government funding is directed towards clinical trials dedicated to finding new and more effective ways of preventing, detecting, and treating breast cancer. President George W Bush says; “America is grateful to the brave and generous women who help fight this disease by participating in clinical trials. Researchers rely on these courageous patients, who help us learn about the safety and effectiveness of new approaches of treatment and, in doing so, bring us closer to eliminating this terrible disease."
Source: CNN
Maria Davila
