| October 2004 Missouri Regional Newsletter p.2 |
| National Breast Cancer Awareness Month The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) program is dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of the early detection of breast cancer through a nationwide campaign. NBCAM started as a weeklong campaign in 1985 with two founding members. Today the ACS is one of many national public service organizations, professional associations, and government agencies that form the NBCAM Board of Sponsors. During October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the member organizations of the Board of Sponsors join forces to spread the message that early detection of breast cancer followed by prompt treatment saves lives. The American Cancer Society programs that are available to achieve these goals include: National Cancer Information Center (NCIC): Trained cancer information specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions about cancer, link callers with resources in their communities, and provide information on local events. Call 1-800-ACS-2345. E-mail National Cancer Information Center (eNCIC): The ACS e-mail center is a cancer information service that allows cancer patients, their families, and the public to ask questions about cancer and to receive prompt and unbiased information from a Cancer Information Specialist or an oncology nurse. The American Cancer Society Web site (www.cancer.org): This site provides in-depth information on all major cancer types, including breast cancer guidelines for prevention, detection and treatment, clinical trials, programs and services for patients, myths surrounding breast cancer, and information about genetic testing. Tell A Friend: This program uses a peer-to-peer approach to encourage women to have an annual mammogram and clinical breast exam. Circle of Life is a Tell A Friend program that is specific to the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native women. The ACS Guidelines for Early Detection of Breast Cancer provides a complete set of recommendations for detecting breast cancer early. The collaborative work of the ACS and the CDC National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) expands early detection efforts by providing screening, diagnostic services, and resources to underserved, uninsured, and low-income women. Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines for Patients is a publication that facilitates informed decision making. The ACS and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network publish it jointly. Reach to Recovery is a program designed to provide information and support for a person who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or who is facing a possible diagnosis of breast cancer. Support is provided by volunteers who have fully adjusted to their own breast cancer experience. The Look Good. . .Feel Better program teaches women with cancer beauty techniques to help enhance their appearance and self image during chemotherapy or radiation treatment. "tlc" is a magazine/catalog that provides information and access to products that may be helpful during treatment and recovery. I Can Cope provides a series of educational classes for patients and family members. ACS Cancer Survivors Network is a Web-based support service for cancer survivors and their families, caregivers and friends. ACS Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is a sister organization to ACS that educates voters about cancer issues. Volunteers contact lawmakers, asking their support for policies that help fight cancer. One success is the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment and Prevention Act, which provides treatment for women screened through NBCCEDP. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a nationwide series of walking events designed to raise funds to fight breast cancer and increase awareness. The donations are given to the most promising research, education, patient support, and advocacy programs to defeat this disease. Since the first walk in 1993, the event has raised more than $100 million. Relay For Life is a community event that allows people to join teams and walk, jog, run, or roll a wheelchair around a track to raise awareness of cancer and funds for research, education, and patient service programs. This great information is found at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp |