A Proclamation On National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021
During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we stand with the courageous women and men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and honor those who have lost their battle to this terrible disease. As the second most common cancer affecting women, an estimated 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime and 281,550 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States in 2021. Cancer touches so many families across the country including ours. It is up to all of us to continue fighting for a cure and to ensure that every American has access to the quality care they need.
The Affordable Care Act has expanded coverage to millions of women who were previously uninsured and has given millions of women access to preventive services, including screening tests such as mammograms with no out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against women with pre-existing conditions, such as breast cancer. My Administration is committed to protecting and building on the ACA to ensure that more people have access to quality, affordable health care and to lifting the inequitable health burden that falls on Black women.
More information on breast cancer is available at cancer.gov/breast. Information specialists at the National Cancer Institute are also available to help answer cancer-related questions in English and Spanish at 1-800-422-6237.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
Advances And Challenges In Cancer Treatment And Outcomes
October 26, 8-9:30 a.m., Cambria Hotel, New Haven. This Advances and Challenges in Cancer Treatment and Outcomes panel discussion will include Dr. Alvaro Menendez, a breast cancer specialist with Hartford HealthCare. For more information, go to
Hhsc Encourages Cancer Screenings During Cervical Health Awareness Month
- From Staff Reports
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is recognizing January as National Cervical Health Awareness Month and encouraging women to get screened for cervical cancer.
Over the years, we have seen a dramatic decrease in cervical cancer. However, rates have recently leveled off, said Faith Sandberg-Rodriguez, associate commissioner of Family Clinical Services. Half of the cervical cancer cases we see today occur among women who have never or rarely been screened. We are encouraging Texans to turn that trend around by resolving to prioritize cervical health. Routine cervical cancer screening is the most effective way to detect cervical cancer early, and the first step is talking with your doctor.
Cervical cancer is the third leading cancer diagnosis in women ages 20-39 and fifth in women ages 40-49. According to the Texas Cancer Registry, there were 1,395 new cases of cervical cancer in Texas women in 2019.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend cervical cancer screenings for women ages 2165.
The BCCS program is partly funded through the CDC. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program awards funding to states for early detection of cervical and breast cancers. In June 2022, the federal program awarded BCCS more than $7.4 million. The Texas Legislature appropriates more than $2 million annually to supplement federal efforts.
About National Cervical Health Awareness Month
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Help Support Women In Need
Donations are always appreciated, but there are lots of great ways to get involved.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month , also referred to in the United States as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month , is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure.
Observances of the event have faced criticism for corporate involvement by drug companies, as well as instances of pinkwashing associated with the events.
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About Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual observance held in the month of October. It is intended to raise awareness about breast cancer, the second most common cancer among women in the United States . This breast cancer awareness month campaign can help your organization implement evidence-based practices when communicating about breast cancer.
Life Support Living With Mbc
October 20, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Anthonys Ocean View, New Haven, Life Support Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer panel discussion on Raising Children and the Role of the Caregiver. The panel features Dr. Patricia DeFusco, medical director of the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute Breast Center. Reserve a seat at .
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Toolkit: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Posted on October 1, 2018 by ODPHP
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if its found and treated early. A mammogram the screening test for breast cancer can help find breast cancer early, when its easier to treat.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to spread the word about breast cancer screening.
With this and other National Health Observance toolkits offered on healthfinder.gov, weve made it easier for you to help make a difference. The toolkits provide resources for organizations like schools, health care providers, health departments, and more to raise awareness about critical public health issues, like detecting breast cancer early.
This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:
I Dont Have Insurance And I Need Treatment
If breast or cervical cancer or a precancerous condition is detected through the PA-BCCEDP, you may be eligible for free treatment through the Department of Human Services Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program . Eligibility for BCCPT is determined by DHS.
For specific information visit the BCCPT website.
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A Proclamation On National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022
Far too many Americans face the overwhelming shock of a breast cancer diagnosis. They are flooded with new information, worried about loved ones, and at times unable to afford treatment all the while staring down lifes toughest questions. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we rededicate ourselves to supporting patients and their families, boosting access to care, and raising awareness about the life-saving importance of early screening. We honor all those we have lost to this terrible disease and celebrate the courageous survivors and advocates fighting to beat it, along with the loved ones and medical providers who have their backs every day.
Cancer changes everyone and every family it touches, including ours and breast cancer is the second most common form of the disease among women in the United States. One in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetimes, including an expected 290,000 just this year. Fortunately, we are making progress in our fight to end cancer as we know it. The investments our Nation has made in research and screening technologies have been transformative. Groundbreaking immunotherapies and other new treatments have changed the prognosis for so many, and early detection is our most important tool. When found early, the 5-year survival rate is now 99 percent.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
Learn About Breast Cancer
One of our top priorities is educating women on what they can do to be proactive with their breast health. Knowledge and early detection saves lives.Medically Reviewed on April 15, 2020
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©2022 National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a 501 tax-exempt status. All rights reserved. Site by GLIDE.
We use cookies on our website to personalize your experience and improve our efforts. By continuing, you agree to the terms of ourPrivacy & Cookies Policies.
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Womens Health Tip #: Find A Trusted Healthcare Partner To Guide You Through Your Health Journey
When it comes to your health, regular visits to a trusted OB/GYN or womens health specialist are crucial. An OB/GYN can help guide you through a spectrum of womens health issues, including:
- Post-menopausal issues
The team of obstetricians and gynecologists at WMMC are experts in all aspects of womens health. We are prepared to treat any issues you may face and can help develop a plan for living a healthier lifestyle.
If you do develop breast cancer or any other women-specific cancers, the newly-opened Western Missouri Cancer Center is ready to help you in the fight. Dr. Jaswinder Singh leads a team of highly skilled oncology specialists who can tackle a variety of cancer diagnoses, all with the professional service and individual care patients expect from WMMC.
Breast Cancer Symptoms And Signs
The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment. Its important to check your breasts regularly, and see your doctor if you notice a change.
Common breast cancer signs and symptoms include:
A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit you might feel the lump but not see it
A change in the color of the breast the breast may look red or inflamed
A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
A change to the nipple, for example it has become pulled in
A rash or crusting around the nipple
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Risk Factors And Prevention
Not all cases of breast cancer can be prevented, but some can. Certain risk factors for breast cancer, such as genetics, are inherent to an individual and cannot be changed. Others are related to a persons lifestyle. This animation highlights some of the things that affect your risk of developing breast cancer and some behaviours you can adopt to reduce your risk.
Here is an informative video from WHO:
How Did This Campaign Start
The event started as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October of 1985. This was a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries to promote mammograms as the most effective tool to fight breast cancer.
With the help of former First Lady and breast cancer survivor, Betty Ford, the week-long breast cancer awareness initiative kicked off. Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer while her husband, Gerald Ford, was President of the United States. Because of this, Betty was able to bring more attention to the disease.
Fast forward seven years to 1992, when the pink ribbon was first introduced as part of the campaign.
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The History Of The Pink Ribbon
The origins of the pink ribbon date back even further than Breast Cancer Awareness Month itself. The first inspiration occurred in 1979 when a wife of a hostage who had been taken in Iran tied yellow ribbons around the trees in her front yard. She did this as a symbol of her desire to see her husband return home safely.
The next was years later when AIDS activists were inspired by yellow ribbons for soldiers fighting in the Gulf War. The activists changed the color to bright red and looped it. It was then on display at the Tony Awards to represent those impacted by AIDS.
After that, ribbons became synonymous with charities. So much so that the New York Times The Year of the Ribbon.
National Breast And Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Early detection is key. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , helps low-income, uninsured, and under-served women gain access to lifesaving screening services for early detection of breast and cervical cancers. This program provides clinical breast examinations, mammograms, and Pap tests for participants as well as diagnostic testing for women whose screening outcome is abnormal. Women age 40 and above should talk to their doctors about when and how often to get a mammogram. To find free and low-cost screenings near you, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use their interactive map.
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For Nearly Four Decades Now The Country Has Recognized October As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month It Is A Time Annually Devoted To Educating Everyone About Breast Cancer Including Metastatic Breast Cancer And The Importance Of Early Detection And Access To Timely High
No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life. Its necessary to understand the warning signs of breast cancer, your risk of breast cancer and whats normal for you so you can take action if there are any changes in your breasts or underarm areas.
Since 1989, Susan G. Komen has helped drive down mortality rates from breast cancer thanks to our focus on early detection and improvements in treatment. However, that progress may be in jeopardy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people delayed their regular breast cancer screening. The pandemic disrupted treatment and research progress.
And more progress is still needed. Through research, growing knowledge about breast cancer has led to new therapies and targeted treatments that improved outcomes for many people. It is research that brings hope to people facing this disease, especially those living with MBC. We need to ensure more treatment options are available for all people facing breast cancer, especially when treatments stop working.
The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the inequities in breast cancer treatments for under-resourced communities across the country, as well as the inequity in treatment between Black and white women. Black women in the U.S. are about 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.
Thats why Susan G. Komen encourages you to dedicate this October as a time of action both for yourself and others.
I Need Help Paying My Prescriptions
Needy Meds is a nonprofit information service devoted to helping people in need find assistance programs to help them afford their medications and costs related to health care. Simply enter the name of your prescription medication in the search line and all available programs will be shown. For more information, visit the Needy Meds web page.
Pennsylvanias prescription assistance programs for older adults, PACE and PACENET, offer low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, age 65 and older. For more information, call 1-800-225-7223 or visit the PA Department of Aging website.
More information about available programs and options can be found on the American Cancer Society website.
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Im Worried About Keeping My Job
The Family Medical Leave Act applies to taking care of yourself as well as others. To qualify, your place of employment must have 50 or more employees and you must have worked there for at least 12 consecutive months. The act requires your employer to provide 12 workweeks of unpaid leave time. Details are on the Department of Labor website.
I Have Questions About What Is Covered Under My Health Insurance
The PBCCs guidebook Breast Cancer: Covered or Not? can be downloaded for free and was created to answer many of your questions, including what insurers are required to cover. You may appeal any denial of coverage from your insurer, and the guidebook provides sample letters.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department answers insurance-related questions and hears complaints. Reach them on their automated toll-free hotline at 877-881-6388 or via online form.
In 2020, Governor Tom Wolf signed the PA Breast Cancer Coalitions life-saving breast cancer screening legislation for women across the commonwealth. Senate Bill 595 requires insurers to cover breast MRIs and ultrasounds for women with very dense breasts and other high-risk factors for breast cancer. Under the new law, the patient may be responsible for costs such as co-pays, co-insurance and/or deductibles based on the individuals health insurance policy regulated under Pennsylvania law. Each patient is advised to contact her insurer to determine what costs the insured would be responsible for prior to receiving the MRI and/or ultrasound.
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What Are The Symptoms
There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk .
- A new lump in the breast or underarm.
If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.
Good News About Breast Cancer Trends
In recent years, perhaps coinciding with the decline in prescriptive hormone replacement therapy after menopause, we have seen a gradual reduction in female breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 50 and older. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, in part due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options.
Medically Reviewed on April 15, 2020
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Take The Time Mobile Mammography Coach
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Mammograms on the Hartford Hospital Take the Time mobile mammography coach. Stops in Hartford this month include: , Parker Memorial, 2621 Main St , Pentecostal Tabernacle Church, 249 Newfield Ave , Charter Oak Health Center, 21 Grand St , Hartford City Hall |
All stops are from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are suggested, although some walk-ins can be accepted. To schedule an appointment, call .
Womens Health Tip #: Understand The Risk Factors
Its difficult to narrow down just one cause of breast cancer. In fact, many studies have indicated that its a combination of factors that lead to breast cancer development. The most common factor is age, but thats not the only risk factor to consider. Some risk factors can be changed as well, while others are a natural part of your body. A few breast cancer risk factors you cant change include:
The American Cancer Society found that nearly 2 out of 3 cases of invasive breast cancer are found in women 55 years or older. Age is actually the greatest risk factor for breast cancer. This is why doctors recommend women age 40 or older schedule annual breast cancer screenings.
Reproductive History
Longer exposure to hormones produced by the ovaries is another risk factor for breast cancer. Reproductive factors such as early-onset menstruation and late-onset menopause can be a red flag for breast cancer development. Other factors like longer duration of breastfeeding and number of children carried to full term may actually decrease your risk of developing breast cancer.
Family History of Breast Cancer
Women with a history of breast cancer in their family from their first-degree relatives or multiple family members on either the mothers or fathers side of the family are more likely to develop breast cancer.
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