October 2008 Archives

Check out pictures from the Fight Back Express bus visits to Joplin, Springfield and Cape Girardeau!

Fight Back Express.pdf

For more information about the Fight Back Express bus, go to www.acscan.org.

With October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought everyone should be reminded about the importance of mammograms!

In 2008, an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States. With a staggering number like that, everyone needs to be aware of breast cancer screening guidelines.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following breast cancer screening guidelines:

Ÿ    Women aged 40 years and older should have an annual mammogram and an annual clinical breast examination (CBE) by a health care professional. Breast self-exam is optional. The CBE should be conducted close to and preferably before the scheduled mammogram.

·         Women aged 20 to 39 years should have a clinical breast examination by a health care professional every three years.

Ÿ   Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam is optional for women starting in their 20s.

Ÿ   Women at increased risk (family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should consult their doctor about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests, or having more frequent exams.

The American Cancer Society offers an e-mail system to help women remember their yearly mammograms and remind their family and friends. The Mammogram Reminder System will send out an e-mail each year saying, "Please schedule your mammogram today," and lets you send reminders out to other important women in your life. To sign up for this service go to: http://acsremindme.com/hma/modify_subscription.php?CID=288.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is bringing the Fight Back Express bus to an area near you!

The Fight Back Express bus is part of a 48-state tour to give YOU a voice! Cancer will kill an estimated 565,650 people in America this year and the government needs to realize that the American public cares about preventing this disease. ACS CAN is sponsoring the bus tour to highlight the crucial role elected officials play in supporting laws and policies that help people fight cancer.

At each bus stop visitors have the chance to share their story with their Members of Congress through the Picture A Cure program and sign a petition to support access to quality health care for all Americans.

Joplin: Oct. 17- Food 4 Less parking lot from 8 a.m. to 9. a.m. with American Cancer Society Hero of Hope, Theresa Davenport, speaking about her personal battle with cancer and Colby Elbert from Missouri Southern to discuss smoke-free activities in the area

Springfield: Oct. 17- Ozark Technical Community College Health Fair from1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in celebration of OTC's five years as a tobacco-free campus.

Springfield: Oct. 17- St. John's Health System at the parking lot on the corner of Fremont and Seminole from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for an event focused on breast cancer with snacks provided

Cape Girardeau: Oct. 19- Wal-Mart parking lot from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. with American Cancer Society Hero of Hope, Ester Wheeler, speaking on her personal battle with cancer and information on smoke-free efforts in Cape Girardeau

For more information e-mail Katie Towns at katie.towns@cancer.org or check out www.acscan.org. Hope to see you there!