National Mammography Day Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month
September 24, 2003
Contact: Cary Boshamer
(703) 716-7540
E-mail: caryb@acr.org
Reston, Va. –– The American College of Radiology is a committed participant in National Mammography Day, Friday, Oct. 17. National Mammography Day is the focal point of the 18th annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM).
Breast cancer remains one of this country's most serious health care crises. This year alone, an estimated 203,000 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.
The ACR, the American Cancer Society, the American Medical Women's Association and numerous national women's groups support annual mammography screening beginning by age 40. These groups also recommend clinical breast examinations every three years starting at age 20 and yearly starting at age 40.
The ACR believes clinical trials have shown annual screening mammograms help detect breast cancers at an earlier stage. The earlier breast cancers are detected, the better are the chances for improved treatment results.
Since 1990, the breast cancer mortality rate has declined by about 20 percent, due in large part to a greater emphasis on regular screening mammograms and improved treatment options.
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 encourages facilities participating in National Mammography Day to offer free or discounted screening mammograms on Oct. 17 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.
To locate facilities participating in National Mammography Day, visit the ACR Web site (www.acr.org) and click on the tab for "Accredited Facilities." 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.
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 participating facilities can use to raise awareness of the importance of screening mammograms, National Mammography Day and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The NBCAM guide lists the resources available from NBCAM board members, including the ACR. To read or download a copy of the guide, visit www.nbcam.org. ACR members also may call the ACR publication sales department at (800) 227-7762 to obtain patient education materials.
The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 32,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of radiology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.