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"Today, a person diagnosed with breast cancer in the earliest stages has a98 percent chance of living at least five more years, on average, compared toonly 77 percent in 1982," stated Laura Farmer Sherman, executive director ofSusan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego. "Many advances have helped make breastcancer survivors the single largest group of cancer survivors in the UnitedStates. So this month, take your life into your hands -- the life you savemay be your own."
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"Many women believe they do not have access to mammograms and breasthealth exams because they are uninsured -- or underinsured. That's not thecase," said Farmer Sherman. "Our legislators passed the Every Woman Countsprogram in order to increase access to care. Any uninsured or underinsuredwoman age 40 or older who earns 200 percent or less of the federalpoverty-level figure qualifies for the program. In addition, Susan G. Komenfor the Cure, San Diego contributes to those who need assistance. Livingwithout a screening is not an option, and we encourage San Diegans to contactus at 858-573-2760 to find out more about how we can provide assistance."
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego
Since its inception in 1995, more than $7 million has been given to localorganizations that provide breast cancer education, screening, diagnostics,treatment and patient support for the uninsured or underinsured in San DiegoCounty. Through a combination of fundraising events, grant-writing workshops,educational seminars and advocating for state legislation, the volunteers ofSusan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego are dedicated to addressing theimmediate breast health needs of the communities they serve. Seventy-fivepercent of proceeds are awarded locally each year through a grant process tolocal organizations. Each grantee conducts a program that offers breast cancereducation, screening or treatment to residents in the San Diego area. Theremaining 25 percent is directed to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure NationalGrant Program to fund research on a national and international level.http://www.komensandiego.org
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would doeverything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promisebecame Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancermovement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots networkof breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empowerpeople, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, the organization hasinvested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest sourceof nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.http://www.komen.orgSusan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego recommends the following: -- Know your risk -- Talk to your family to learn about your family health history -- Talk to your healthcare provider about your personal risk of breast cancer -- Get screened -- Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk -- Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk -- Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40 -- Know what is normal for you and see your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes: -- Lump, hard knot or thickening -- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening -- Change in the size or shape of the breast -- Dimpling or puckering of the skin -- Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple -- Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast -- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly -- New pain in one spot that does not go away -- Make healthy lifestyle choices -- Maintain a healthy weight -- Add exercise into your routine -- Limit alcohol intake
SOURCE Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego
