Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of articles recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month that will run in each weekly Health section through October. Topics will cover breast cancer statistics nationwide and in the Show-Me State, research, early detection and the importance of mammograms, how special medical navigators can assist breast cancer patients through their treatments, mastectomy reconstruction surgery and life after this procedure, and local organizations who raise funds and help those diagnosed with the disease, among other related subjects.
Breast cancer continues to touch the lives of so many women in our community - our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and co-workers. It's something we can't ignore.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among U.S. women. It's also the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 252,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 41,000 will die from the disease. Here in Missouri, more than 5,160 women will be diagnosed and more than 580 are expected to die of the disease.
The good news is, we are making progress in the fight against breast cancer. The breast cancer death rate has dropped nearly 39 percent in the past three decades and there are more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today.
The American Cancer Society's comprehensive approach to fighting breast cancer has led to many advances. Our research program has played a role in many of the prevention, screening and treatment advances that help save lives from breast cancer today, such as Gleevec and the breast cancer-fighting drug Herceptin. And, we continue to fund research to help save even more lives in the future. Currently, the American Cancer Society is investing $62 million in 165 breast cancer research grants.
From investing in research to education about breast cancer to promoting early detection to empowering people with information and providing support to anyone facing the disease, your American Cancer Society is fighting cancer from every angle.
We provide 24/7 access to information through our cancer.org website and the ability to speak with someone at our 1-800-227-2345 number.
We provide breast cancer survivors mentors through our Reach to Recovery program.
A wig room - located at the local office- has a variety of free wigs, head coverings, port pillows and lap blankets. For hours, call the local office.
Our Hope Lodge program and Hotel Partners Program provides free lodging to patients who need to travel a distance from home to receive treatment.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) helps to ensure all women and men have access to lifesaving cancer screenings like mammograms and access to cancer treatment when they need it.
The American Cancer Society is there for all those diagnosed with cancer to insure they are not alone in this fight.
There are many ways the community can join us in the fight against cancer. Below are just a list of several activities taking place of the next few months.
Real Men Wear Pink of Mid-MO 20 local male leaders are joining together to raise awareness and funds by wearing pink each day in October and hosting various fundraisers. Jefferson City men include Rod Smith (KRCG-TV), Chief Gary Hill (Lincoln University Police Department), Johnny Graham (Revel Catering and Events Center), Chris Carwile (Southside Barbershop), Logan Gratz (Gratz Real Estate and Auctioneering), Tyler Brown (Jefferson Bank), Kevin Dunn (Jefferson City Country Club), and Sam Trapp and Christopher Scott (Farmers Insurance). Last year the Real Men of Mid-Missouri raised nearly $50,000.
15th annual Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament today at Oak Hills Golf Course.
11th annual Pink Up the Pace 5K Run/Walk Oct. 7 at the Jefferson City North Pavilion.
Third annual Pretty In Pink Ladies Only Cocktail Party Oct. 18 at Revel Catering and Events Center.
2019 Relay For Life of Cole County June 7, 2019.
You can find out more about the Cole County's "pink" events by visiting facebook.com/colecountypink.
Anyone interested in participating in any of the upcoming events or who would like to get involved with the fight against cancer by volunteering can contact the local American Cancer Society office at 573-635-4839 or by emailing [email protected]. For cancer information and support 24/7, visit cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.