10th National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
CHICAGO-Ten years ago, breast cancer was a subject women did not often read about in magazines or see on TV. Races had not yet been run, and a pink ribbon was still just a pink ribbon. Then in 1985, three organizations created what was then called Breast Cancer Awareness Week, and the public's demand for information about breast cancer was first recognized.
CHICAGO-Ten years ago, breast cancer was a subject women did notoften read about in magazines or see on TV. Races had not yetbeen run, and a pink ribbon was still just a pink ribbon. Thenin 1985, three organizations created what was then called BreastCancer Awareness Week, and the public's demand for informationabout breast cancer was first recognized.
This ground swell of interest was the impetus for Zeneca Inc.to enlist the support of the American Academy of Family Physiciansand Cancer Care, Inc. to create the effort that has since grownto become the nation's largest and most comprehensive breast cancerawareness campaign-National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM),celebrated each October.
Currently sponsored by 17 of the nation's most prestigious medical,professional, and governmental organizations, NBCAM has been creditedwith mobilizing breast cancer education nationwide and makingthe issue a priority at the workplace, within communities, andin Congress. Activities for this month's campaign include:
1. National Mammography Day (October 19), which encourages womento receive, sign up for, or make a commitment to get a screeningmammogram during October (see list for toll-free numbers to helppatients find an accredited radiologists during October).
2. Profiles in Progress (PIP) Awards Dinner, to honor membersof the media and corporate or civic entities that have shown anoutstanding commitment to breast cancer awareness or have implementedinnovative awareness programs at the workplace or in the community.
3. NBCAM Promotion Kit, produced by Zeneca Inc., provides step-by-stepinstructions and materials on how to promote NBCAM on the communitylevel.
4. Exhibit program, created by Zeneca for use by businesses attrade shows, health fairs, and industry gatherings.
To promote worksite screening, Zeneca has also distributed a videotapeto the CEOs of the nation's largest employers describing the benefitsit has seen since establishing its program.
Five Toll-Free Numbers for Mammography Information
American Cancer Society:
1-800-ACS-2345
National Cancer Institute:
1-800-4-CANCER
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation: 1-800-I'M-AWARE
Y-ME National Breast Cancer
Organization: 1-800-221-2141
National Alliance of Breast Cancer
Organizations: 1-800-719-9154
