We Are Making Strides Against Breast Cancer News
From the American Cancer Society

As you know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society is deeply committed to the fight against breast cancer and we are very proud of the significant progress we have made, thanks to friends like you. Better treatments, greater awareness of the importance of early detection, and higher utilization of screening mammography has resulted in a 20% decline in breast cancer death rates since 1991.

The American Cancer Society's role in this progress is clear. Our support of groundbreaking breast cancer research (more than $271 million since 1972) has yielded treatments like Herceptin and Tamoxifen – two drugs that lower breast cancer recurrence rates. Our aggressive awareness campaigns have led to greater usage of mammography and our tireless advocacy efforts have ensured quality standards for mammography facilities nationwide.

Help Continue to Make Strides Against Breast Cancer

• While the news in breast cancer is encouraging for the general population, breast cancer survival rates are much lower among low-income, uninsured and underinsured women.
  
  Find out how the the American Cancer Society is working to eliminate disparities in breast cancer and how you can help.
   
• Join the Society’s grassroots action network or ACS CAN to encourage lawmakers to make cancer a priority. More information.
   
• Make a donation to support breast cancer research, education, advocacy, and service. Donate Now
   
• Find out how to reduce your risk for breast cancer. Sign up for a Mammogram reminder. This interactive tool will send an email message each year reminding you or a woman you love to "Please, schedule your mammogram today."
   
• An interactive mammography reminder is on the American Cancer Society Web site.

While we continue to pursue cures for breast cancer, we are there for those that are diagnosed with the disease today, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our extensive information resources (via 1-800-ACS-2345 and www.cancer.org) help breast cancer patients and their families make the best, most informed decisions about their care. These resources offer everything from clinical trials matching services to friendly, knowledgeable staff who answer questions, understand concerns and relay the very latest cancer treatment information. And we connect patients and their loved ones to services in their community that can help inspire their recovery and help them cope with their disease.

We truly are saving lives and making strides against breast cancer. By continuing to work together to support cutting-edge research, to inspire lifesaving prevention and early detection, and to offer life-affirming services to people in need, we can all look forward to a future in which breast cancer no longer threatens the people we love.

Program Alert
The American Cancer Society is a sponsor of Lifetime Channel's “Women Rock” Concert featuring breast cancer survivor, Melissa Etheridge will air on Lifetime on October 18th at 11 PM EST/PST.