Georgia celebrates breast cancer survivors

Released on = January 24, 2005, 11:19 am

Press Release Author = Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR)

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Oct. 20, 2004 -- Georgia residents, breast cancer survivors and state public health experts gathered today at the Academy of Medicine in Midtown Atlanta with Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to share the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer and to unveil the newly designed Georgia Breast Cancer License Plate.

Press Release Body = ATLANTA, GA – Georgia residents, breast cancer survivors and state public health experts gathered today at the Academy of Medicine in Midtown Atlanta with Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to share the importance of early detection in
the fight against breast cancer and to unveil the newly designed Georgia Breast Cancer License Plate.

October 20 marked Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day in Georgia and the 10th anniversary of the state’s BreasTEST & More program. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Georgia is committed to educating our citizens about the importance of breast cancer screening, early detection and healthy living,” said Gov. Perdue. “I encourage the people of Georgia to support the work of cancer prevention and detection. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the greater the chances for successfully treating the disease.”

Survivors and residents were joined at the event by representatives with the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), Division of Public Health, Georgia Cancer Coalition, American Cancer Society and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The BreasTEST & More program was initiated by the DHR and provides free or reduced-cost mammograms to low income and uninsured Georgia women ages 40 and older. Women who are eligible can receive mammograms at local health departments around the state. About 15,000 Georgia women receive screening services through BreasTEST & More each year. Since the program’s inception, more than 600 women have learned they needed treatment for cancer.

DHR and the Georgia Cancer Coalition also have partnered with the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety (DMVS) to promote the Georgia Breast Cancer license plate. Proceeds from purchase of this special state tag provide screening and treatment services for Georgians in need. The Breast Cancer plates are available year-round at county tag offices and also may be ordered on the Vehicle Registration Renewal Form sent to car owners in the mail by the DMVS.

“Buying a Breast Cancer tag is an easy and important action step people can take to fight this terrible disease in Georgia. It can make a real difference in helping to ensure that all Georgians get the breast cancer screening and treatment services
they need,” states Bill Todd, President of the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

About 6,000 Georgia women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and at least 1,000 women in the state are expected to die from the disease. Mammograms have been shown to lower the number of deaths caused by breast cancer by more than
30 percent.

“Annual mammograms save lives,” said Ruth Schultz, program director for the Georgia DHR breast and cervical cancer program. “It is the best action that a woman over the age of 40 can take to detect breast cancer in its early stages when the disease
is most treatable. Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day allows us to emphasize the lifesaving benefits of routine mammograms.”

DHR and the American Cancer Society recommend that women over 40 get a mammogram every one to two years. Women who have had breast cancer or breast problems, or those with a family history of breast cancer, should start mammograms at a younger
age. Consult with your health care provider to determine a screening plan that is right for you.

In addition to seeking routine mammograms and undergoing clinical breast examinations, all women should conduct monthly breast self-exams beginning at the age of 20. Regardless of age, a woman should talk to a health care provider immediately if they find a lump or notice changes in their breasts.

To learn more about breast cancer and the BreasTEST & More program, call 1-800-4CANCER, or visit www.georgiacancer.org.

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Web Site = http://www.georgiacancer.org

Contact Details = Richard Quarterone
DHR, Division of Public Health
404/463-4627
rquartarone@dhr.state.ga.us