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October 21 is National Mammography Day
October 21, 2005 has been designated National Mammography Day in the United States. This marks the 13th consecutive year that Congress and the President have officially recognized Senator Joe Biden’s (D-DE) National Mammography Day resolution.
WHAT IS NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY?
Senator Joe Biden authored the first National Mammography Day resolution in 1993 to help educate women about the importance of early breast cancer detection. On the third Friday this October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) mammography medical facilities nationwide will be offering free or reduced-cost screening mammograms as part of National Mammography Day. Getting a mammogram can help women detect breast cancer early when the chances for a cure are at their best.
WHO SHOULD GET A MAMMOGRAM?
The American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend periodic screening mammography for women over the age of 40 or women who have a history of breast cancer in their family. Be sure to talk with your doctor to determine if this test is appropriate for you.
WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAM?
A mammogram is a special type of x-ray exam used to create detailed images of the breast. It is the only exam approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help screen for breast cancer in women with no signs of the disease (such as a breast lump). Mammograms can help detect approximately 85% of all breast cancers and can find a breast cancer tumor years before a lump can be felt by touch. In addition to mammography, monthly breast-self exams and clinical breast exams are also useful in detecting breast cancer.
WHERE CAN I GET A MAMMOGRAM?
More than 2,200 mammography facilities that are accredited by the American College of Radiology recognize National Mammography Day. To learn which mammography facilities are participating and/or offering discounted mammograms throughout October, women are encouraged to contact one of the following organizations:
American Cancer Society - http://www.cancer.org - phone: 1-800-227-2345
The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc. (DBCC) - http://www.debreastcancer.org - phone: (302) 778-1102 or Toll Free: 1-866-312-DBCC
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month - http://www.nbcam.com
To learn more about National Mammography Day, click here.
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http://biden.senate.gov/newsroom/details.cfm?id=246801

October: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Welcome to Montgomery Sword Author's blog!

Breast cancer can strike either gender at any time. In the U.S. it is the 2nd highest cancer fatality among women, surpassed only by lung cancer. African-Americans have a 47% higher mortality rate from breast cancer than do Caucasians, primarily thought to be due to later diagnosis.
Men, you might be susceptible as well. For information see
Detailed Guide to Breast Cancer in Men
at
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?dt=28

*RISK FACTORS *
For Women
Increasing age
Early menarche (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55) Never giving birth or having a first child after age 30
Use of hormone replacement therapy for more than 5 years
History of radiation exposure for Hodgkin’s disease or radiation of the thymus
Decreased level of physical activity, increased alcohol use (2-5 drinks/day), obesity, or high fat diet
History of previous abnormal *breast* biopsies
Strong family history that includes:
Two or more relatives (on the same side of the family) diagnosed with *breast* *cancer* at any age
One relative diagnosed with *breast* *cancer* before age 50 or ovarian *cancer* at any age
A male relative diagnosed with *breast* *cancer*
Being a known or suspected carrier of either BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:v7N6diqcV4QJ:www.michigancancer.org/PDFs/MDCHFactSheets/BrCAAwarenessMonthFactSheet-Oct06.pdf+October+Breast+Cancer+Awareness+Month&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10&gl=us&client=netscape-pp

Readers need to be aware of the risks and dangers of this disease. Further information is available at many sites including:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_National_Breast_Cancer_Awareness_Month.asp
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_National_Breast_Cancer_Awareness_Month.asp
http://www.pinkoctober.org