DOH Observes October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

TALLAHASSEE - As the Florida Department of Health observes October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), health officials urge women to make an appointment with their health care provider to receive a mammogram. Early detection of breast cancer through mammography screenings is a women's best opportunity of survival. It is important for women over age 40 to have a mammogram annually, according to NBCAM Web site.

"There are still women who do not take advantage of early detection at all and others who do not get mammography screenings and clinical breast exams at regular intervals," DOH Secretary M. Rony François, M.D., M.S.P.H., Ph.D., said. "DOH encourages Florida's women (age 40 and older) to request a mammogram with the rest of their annual medical examinations, especially on Friday, October 21 - National Mammography Day."

This year marks NBCAM's 21st observance and since its creation in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older (from 27 percent in 1987 to 69 percent in 1998) and breast cancer deaths have declined by 1.6 percent between 1989 and 1995.

Although mammography use has risen, many women are still not making mammograms a part of their routine health care. Here are additional statistics related to breast cancer in Florida, according to the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Census Bureau:

The unscreened population groups include older women, the uninsured, ethnic minorities (especially Latina women, African Americans and Asian Americans) and poor women, particularly those in rural areas.
Poverty is associated with an increase of developing cancer at a later stage or dying from the disease, due to a lack of access to quality health care. For instance, 12.5 percent of Florida's population lives below the poverty line compared to the national average of 12.4 percent.
Hispanics face barriers to health care access including a lack of health insurance coverage and cultural and language differences - this increases the chances of a diagnosis of cancer at a later stage.

There are 16 sites in Florida implementing the Department's Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. This program provides assistance to women, ages 50-64, who are uninsured or underinsured and at or below the poverty level. By offering information and support, as well as the critical screening services, the program has helped to remove barriers that prevent women from getting screened. To find the nearest site, call the toll-free hot line number at (800) 451-2229.

The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Program was created in 1994 through a federal grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since its inception over 44,000 screening mammograms and 29,000 Pap smears have been provided. More information may also be obtained by visiting the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov, the CDC at www.cdc.gov or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. For additional information about DOH's breast cancer program, visit the DOH Web site at www.doh.state.fl.us and select Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Program from the drop box.

For information about NBCAM, visit www.nbcam.org.

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