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Guest Commentary November 1, 2001
Early Cancer Detection Saves Lives
The Honorable John Breaux
More than two million women in Louisiana and across the nation are breast cancer survivors. Testaments to strength and perseverence, these mothers, daughters, sisters, co-workers, friends and wives have touched so many with their heroism in the face of this devastating disease. Although the causes and cures for breast cancer are unknown, early detection can dramatically improve a woman's chances of survival.
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One in nine women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States. The risk of developing breast cancer increases as women age, with a woman at 70 years of age having twice as much chance of developing the disease as a woman at 50. Although risk increases with age, experts agree that every woman is in danger of developing this disease and mammography is the best method of early detection.
Men are also at risk of developing breast cancer. Although breast cancer rates among men are significantly less than breast cancer rates in women, treatment procedures are the same for both genders and abnormalities can be detected early and accurately through mammograms.
Mammograms are painless, x-ray procedures that can be done in a doctor's office, a hospital, a clinic or a mobile van. These tests are administered by certified medical technicians and are done on an outpatient basis. In addition to providing women with peace of mind, this simple test can save lives.
Medical and cancer advocacy groups, government and most importantly, breast cancer survivors, advocate early detection through mammograms as a crucial step in finding the disease at its most treatable stages. These groups are working together to inform women that mammograms are just as much a part of total wellness as healthy diet and exercise plans.
Louisiana ranks second in the nation in number of breast cancer deaths each year and our state is last in early detection. We must improve these statistics and support Louisiana's women by providing them with access to and information about the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.
Last year, Louisiana established a Breast Cancer Control Program within its Women's Health Program Office of Public Health to concentrate on breast cancer detection, prevention and treatment. This program provides mammography examinations, along with comprehensive awareness programs to prevent and reduce the occurrence of breast cancer in Louisiana. The programs recommendations include:
One baseline mammogram for any person 35 through 39 years of age;
Bi-annual mammogram for any person 40 through 49 years of age (more frequently if recommended by a physician); and
Annual mammogram for any person 50 years of age or older.
Mammograms can reveal the presence of small cancers up to two years before a regular clinical breast examination or a breast self-examination. Self-diagnostic tools like the breast self-examination, combined with a professionally administered mammogram, can reduce mortality rates by up to 63 percent.
In fact, I joined with other members of the U.S. Senate to designate October 19, 2001, as National Mammography Day, in recognition of the incredible lifesaving capabilities of these tests.
I support continued funding for breast cancer education, research, prevention and treatment programs in Louisiana and nationwide, and urge all women to receive this important life saving test.
John Breaux is a U.S. Senator (D-Louisiana) and writes a weekly column; the above has been adapted from his column of November 1, 2001. To contact him, Click Here.
The above column has been distributed by PoliticsOL.com.
