Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 3 October 1996 — Page 21

The Muncie Times, October 3,1996, Page 21 Knowledge key to battling spread of breast cancer

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Because of the devastating effects of cancer in the African American community, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Breast Cancer Resource Committee (BCRC) have joined forces to promote the availability of accurate and up-to-date breast cancer information to African American women. As part of the 1996 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, NCI and BCRC have put together an array of materials designed to encourage African American women to call NCI’s Cancer Information Service (CIS). A key component of this campaign is a public service announcement (PSA), featuring actress Angela Bassett. The PSA highlights how important it is for African American women to leam more about breast cancer screening and detection and emphasizes this year’s campaign theme: “Knowledge: It’s Part of the Cure.”

Access to reliable information about current breast cancer care options is especially important for African American women who will have a suspicious mammogram and/ or will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. These women will be faced with difficult decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment, and care, and many will want additional information to help them make their decisions. Most African American women who are diagnosed and treated for breast cancer at an early stage continue to live active and vibrant lives. However, many African American women are not aware of how the advances in understanding and treating breast cancer have improved cancer diagnosis and treatment options. Early detection can be important for African American women because they have the highest mortality and lowest survival rates for breast cancer. Detection techniques include

mammography, an x-ray of the breast which can detect a lump before it can be seen or felt. Regular screening every 1 to 2 years with mammography and clinical breast exam can reduce the risk of death from breast cancer by about onethird for women ages 50 and older. If a woman has a suspicious mammogram and/or has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are several treatment options available to her. Not only are treatments more effective today. They can often be less disfiguring than in the past, when fewer choices were available. For example, when the breast cancer is found early enough, the cancerous tumor can usually be removed from the breast, leaving most of the normal breast tissue in place. Treatment can then consist of radiation to kill cancer cells that might still be present in the affected breast or in nearby lymph nodes. This treatment is an effective alternative to complete removal of the

breast. In any case, women with breast cancer are encouraged to discuss their treatment options with their doctor to determine the best method suited for their diagnosis and lifestyle. With NCI funding, scientists throughout the nation are researching the causes of breast cancer. Many clinical trials are under way to find even better ways to treat breast cancer and each new piece of information helps researchers improve treatments. Otis W. Brawley, M.D., Director for the Office of Special Populations, NCI notes that “It is important that African American women who have breast cancer know about available treatment options, and understand the importance of participating in clinical trials. Today’s breast cancer patients benefit from knowledge gained from previous clinical trials. By participating in clinical trials, African American breast cancer patients may see KNOWLEDGE on page 27

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