Letter to the Editor

October is Breast Cancer Month

Friday, October 12, 2007

To the Editor:

Every two minutes there is a new breast cancer diagnosis. Every 14 minutes, a life is lost to the disease.

Over 40,000 people will die from breast cancer this year; about 400 of them will be men. Eighty-five percent of all diagnoses have no family history. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages 40 and 55. Breast cancer strikes without regard for socio-economic status. It takes our loveliest, most promising, and strongest women among us. It kills our mothers, our daughters, our sisters, our friends, and our relationships.

Breast cancer strikes without a conscience.

Early detection and treatment are critical in the fight against breast cancer, but public awareness is essential as well. Become aware. Become involved. Through public awareness and breast cancer research, we can work together to eliminate this disease that has burdened so many of us.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Remember to do your monthly self-examinations and schedule a yearly mammogram.

Julie Dyer

A six year, 10 month survivor of breast cancer