NBCAM "Pass the Word"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH CAMPAIGN'S "PASS THE WORD" PROGRAM STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT BREAST HEALTH AND EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER



"Pass the Word" that Early Detection Saves Lives


CHICAGO, Ill. October 1, 2003 – The "Pass the Word" campaign is depending on the thousands of people around the United States who participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) activities each year to "Pass the Word" about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.



This October, the 17 Board of Sponsor members who make up the NBCAM coalition are calling on the general public to join in this national effort to “Pass the Word” to as many women as possible that:

· Early detection saves lives

· Mammography screening is the single most effective method of early detection and an annual mammogram is recommended for women over 40 years of age

· Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider

· Both breast self-examinations starting at the age of 20 and clinical breast examinations every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and older should be part of regular breast awareness activities



"This year’s program, 'Pass the Word,' really sums up what is most important in October and all throughout the year," said Susan Nathanson, National Coordinator, NBCAM. "Early detection saves lives and this campaign challenges the public to share this important message with their friends and loved ones."



To make sure this message gets nationwide attention, the Board of Sponsors of NBCAM will be part of a campaign that reaches out to the public and individuals around the country who lead programs to increase awareness about breast health and breast cancer. Many of these programs raise funds for organizations that support women with breast cancer, educate women about the importance of early detection and treatment options, and provide funds for research related to breast cancer.



For the past 19 years, NBCAM has worked to raise awareness about breast cancer, particularly mammography screening, the preferred method for early detection of the disease. As a result, the mammography screening rate has doubled since 1985.
Unfortunately, there are many women who do not access mammography screening for a number of reasons, the most common being a lack of health insurance or adequate funds to pay for a mammogram. NBCAM hopes that activities during the month of October educate women about the eligibility requirements for mammography screening and the availability of free mammography screening through the Centers for Disease Control’s Early Detection and Treatment Program for Breast and Cervical Cancer (888-842-6355).



For further information about the elements of the NBCAM 2003 campaign, visit www.nbcam.org or contact Susan Nathanson, National Coordinator at 312-596-3557.


ABOUT NBCAM

The NBCAM Board of Sponsors is comprised of 17 national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working in partnership to raise awareness and provide access to screening services. This program depends on the efforts of NBCAM Program Leaders around the country to reach women where they live, work, play and worship with messages about breast health and breast cancer. NBCAM is funded by an unrestricted educational grant by the AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation.


It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month...my Aunt Annie died from breast cancer...this thread is dedicated to her.
Anyone else know any brave women who are fighting this horrible disease?

I have a cute ribbon similar to this, I wear



And will do my bit for Cancer Research and Breast Cancer Awareness, as I always do..
[This message was edited Sat Oct 4 9:01:46 PDT 2003 by REDFEATHERS]

REDFEATHERS said:

That's really cute, RED...where did you find it?

applekisses said:

On Google


Well it is similar to it...I couldnt find the one I have exactly, but they had these real cute ones in a pharmacy in London...course I have the regular ribbon ones too, but wow, there are so many different kinds on Google, they are the ULTIMATE fashion accessory now, and you are contributing to the Charity too.
[This message was edited Sat Oct 4 9:05:52 PDT 2003 by REDFEATHERS]

REDFEATHERS said:

NO...I mean where did you BUY it...

applekisses said:

See above

I am sorry to hear anout your Aunt Annie too

My best friend at school went through a terrible time when her Mum died...we were only 13 at the time.

REDFEATHERS said:

Thanks, honey It's been quite a few years (I was pretty young.) OH, that's horrible about your friend...to lose your mom when you're so young. It's tragic.

Good advice! I had a mammogram last week because I felt a lump ... it's since disappeared though. Anyway, it didn't hurt and the radiologist was really lovely.

Get the results next week, so fingers crossed everything will be ok.


ps sorry about the spelling in this post - I'm not good with medical terms.

Great thread Andrea! I'm sorry to hear about your aunt.

This can't be stressed enough. Thankyou




..
[This message was edited Sat Oct 4 9:22:56 PDT 2003 by Lleena]

Raspberry said:

Good Luck Raspberry, you did the right thing. We will be thinking of you

Thank you Red

Any truth in the rumour that Arnold has assured he would do all the Californian testing personally by hand if elected?

I'm 31 years old and just had a mastectomy two weeks ago for invasive breast cancer. My tumor was found by myself. I'm too young for routine mammograms. I face six months of chemo, six weeks of radiation, and then reconstruction surgery. I don't drink, smoke, I'm not overweight, had three kids in my early 20's...I'm very low risk. But look what happened anyway. If I wouldn't have found that lump myself, I cringe to think where I would be next April when I go for my next annual checkup. Nobody thinks they could have breast cancer when they are only 30.

[This message was edited Sat Oct 4 12:43:30 PDT 2003 by INSATIABLE]

applekisses said:

What a wonderful thread applekisses...I usually try to donate every year to breast awareness... I need a pink ribbon now... I want to wear one on this thread!

dustysgirl said:

So sorry to hear this ... good luck with the treatment dustygirl.

It hurts like hell. Once was enough - NEVER again.

dustysgirl said:

OH sweetie... I'm so sorry to hear this. Please keep us updated on your condition, ok?
Stay strong and know that there are people thinking of you.

Essence said:

Why don't you read the post right after your original one and see if you're still laughing.

applekisses said:

Because "get those boobies squished girls" is a totally inoffensive, respectful subjectline to get this topic started on right?

Lleena said:

Thanks, honey

A wonderful thread and message applekisses.

In Australia they are trying to encourage youg woman to take these tests no...instead of waiting until they are in their 40's. Too many young woman are not taking it that seriously unfortunatly.

Essence said:

Please...it's just something fun to get people to look at the thread...which is an important one, imo. And, anyway, I HAVE breasts myself, so how could it possibly be offensive? Anyway...it's still no excuse for your callousness.

althom said:

Thank you althom Although, it seems that some are using it as a vehicle for their politcal agendas and bad jokes.

applekisses said:

A little topical satire started under such a dumb subjectline as yours is hardly out of place, come on now.

Essence said:

yeah, don't you know applekisses? breast cancer is hilarious!

Essence said:

That's your opinion.
Have you even read some of the posts on this thread? Do you have ANY compassion whatsoever for those who have suffered, either by having the disease themselves or watching loved ones die?
Dumb subjectline or not...it's a VERY serious and important topic.

AaronMaximus said:

I KNOW! It's so funny too that with each little ache and swelling that I get it's in the back of my mind...'Am I in the beginning stages of breast cancer?'
Many women I know feel this way...it's a regular laugh riot!
[This message was edited Sat Oct 4 17:05:56 PDT 2003 by applekisses]