National Mammography Day Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Contact: Cary Boshamer
(703) 716-7540
caryb@acr.org
Reston, Va. — The American College of Radiology's National Mammography Day, Friday, Oct. 19, will again be a major highlight of the 16th annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM).
Breast cancer continues to cast a dark shadow over America's female population. This year alone, an estimated 192,200 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur in women in the United States. More than 40,000 women are expected to die from breast cancer this year, making it the second leading cause of cancer death, after lung cancer.
However, thanks to a heightened awareness of the problem through events such as National Mammography Day, the future is very bright. The death rates from breast cancer have seen a decline in recent years, with the largest decrease occurring in younger women. It is believed that early detection and treatment is a leading contributor to these improved statistics. A recently released study suggested that mammograms may even be more effective than previously thought, reducing breast cancer mortality by more than 60 percent.
Nevertheless, too many women still are not including mammography screening as part of their health care routine. The problem is more severe among certain high-risk groups including minorities, older women, and women with low incomes.
The ACR urges facilities participating in National Mammography Day to offer free or discounted screening mammograms on Oct. 19 and throughout the month. Response to this event is usually strong, and the centers generally schedule screening mammograms all month to accommodate those who call.
In addition, the NBCAM Board of Sponsors, of which the ACR is a member, has provided a promotion guide that suggests activities for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The guide features important breast cancer information and statistics. The guide also provides sample press releases that participating facilities can use to raise awareness of the importance of screening mammograms, National Mammography Day and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
To locate facilities participating in National Mammography Day, click here. Select the mammography section under "Modalities" and choose the state you are interested in. Facilities participating in National Mammography Day will be designated with a pink ribbon.
The NBCAM guide lists the resources available from NBCAM board members, including the ACR. To obtain a free copy of the guide, call (877) 886-2226. ACR members also may call the ACR publication sales department at (800) 227-7762 to obtain patient education materials.
The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of radiology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.