| Beating Breast Cancer in Pittsburgh | |
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On an average day in Pennsylvania 33 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 6 die from the disease. It is the leading killer of women between 35 and 54 and Pennsylvania is ranked 8th in the nation for breast cancer deaths. The number of reported incidences of breast cancer in Pennsylvania has increased from 1987 through 1997. This increase is primarily attributed to an increase in diagnosis during the early stages of the disease. It is projected that there will be almost 12000 new cases diagnosed in 2000, compared to 11,410 in 1997. The number of deaths in 2000 due to this disease is estimated to be about 2,180, slightly lower than the 2,252 deaths reported for 1998.
Pittsburgh is one of the American cities leading the charge to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. The Comprehensive Breast Center of Magee Womens Hospital and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPIC) of the UPMC Health System is ranked among the top ten breast cancer centers in the United States. Magee Womens Hospital is also among the first centers nationally to install a clinical digital mammography system, offering an unparalleled resource that may revolutionize the way doctors across the country detect breast cancer.
Each year, thousands of people participate in clinical trials conducted through the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP). The NSABP is a cooperative group of over 300 medical centers in the United States, Canada and Australia and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Their largest and best known trial is the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial which enrolled over 13,000 women to determine the effectiveness of tamoxifen in preventing the occurrence of breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease. The outcome showed an amazing 45% reduction in breast cancer incidence among the high-risk participants who took the tamoxifen. Magee and UPIC both offer enrollment in the clinical trials of the NSABP.
Hospitals, community groups and local and state government have joined together to offer a wide variety of resources which make breast cancer screening accessible and affordable for all western Pennsylvania residents. One such program is the Mammogram Voucher Program (MVP). This program, sponsored by the PA Southwest Region Office of the American Cancer Society in collaboration with Family Health Council, Inc., provides mammograms and follow-up diagnostic services to medically underinsured and uninsured women in 22 counties of Western Pennsylvania. Over 60 Pittsburgh area mammography facilities participate in the voucher program to ensure that all women have access to quality diagnostic breast care services. The MVP program is made possible by the proceeds from the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure®.
If you need a mammogram, do not have insurance, and cannot afford to pay for it, call the American Cancer Society, Southwest Region Office, to see if you qualify for this important program. In Allegheny County, call (412) 261-4352 or call toll free (888) ACS-5445 (888-227-5445).
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities
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Speak Out for Breast Cancer Awareness The Call Someone You Love rally at the USX Plaza in Downtown Pittsburgh will be held on October 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sprint PCS and Samsung will have phones available to encourage people to call friends and relatives about taking steps for early detection. Many experts will also be on hand to discuss prevention, early detection and support systems for breast cancer survivors and their loved ones. |
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Lunchtime Breast Cancer Risk Awareness Program To be held at 12 noon on October 13 on the third floor of the Lazarus Department Store - Downtown. Free box lunch to all participants. Co-sponsored by Lazarus and Allegheny General Hospital. To register, call (412) 359-6053. |
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Making Strides Against Breast Cancer A walking event to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and raise money for breast cancer reserach, patient services, education and advocacy. Held October 21, 2000 at Presque Isle State Park in Erie PA. Meet in Waldameer parking lot off of Peninsula Drive at 8:30 a.m. for registration. The walk begins at 10 a.m. Contact Cheryl Sealy csealy@cancer.org (814) 833-7407 for more information. |
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Washington Hospital Breast Cancer Screening Women's Health Center 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. October 26. To register, please call (724) 223-3313. |
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