Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Dear Friends:

Across the United States this month, hundreds of thousands of Americans will gather to participate in marathons, bake sales, and educational programs. Companies around the world will donate proceeds from sales of their products throughout the month. All of these efforts share a common purpose: to raise awareness and funding for the fight against breast cancer.

October 2005 marks the 21st year of the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over 211,240 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Breast cancer does not discriminate. The disease affects the young and old, the rich and poor, and all ethnicities. One woman in eight has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. And beyond the statistics, many of us know someone who has been touched by breast cancer: a relative, a co-worker, a friend.

While we celebrate the advancements that have been made against the disease, we also recognize the challenges we continue to face in fighting breast cancer. There are many endeavors which can significantly improve a woman's chance of survival. Early detection, regular physical examinations, breast cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services all continue to remain vital priorities in the campaign to combat and find a cure for this disease.

In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 21st is National Mammography Day, a day when all women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment. Low cost or free mammography screening is available to women who are over 40 and underinsured or uninsured. For additional information, contact the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 1-888-842-6355. To locate a breast imaging facility near you, please contact the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER.

I urge everyone to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Attend an event raising funds for breast cancer research. Call a friend and remind her to get a mammogram. Go online to learn more about the disease. Working together, we will continue to fight and search for a cure for breast cancer.

Sincerely,

C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Member of Congress

Additional Breast Cancer Resources

Susan G. Komen Foundation
American Cancer Society
National Breast Cancer Foundation

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