Connecticut State Department of Public Health

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      CONTACT: Donna Tommelleo, 860-524-7313

October 16, 2008                                                             donna.tommelleo@ct.gov

 

National Mammography Day is Friday, October 17

 

            To commemorate National Mammography Day on Friday, Governor M. Jodi Rell, a breast cancer survivor, is promoting the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection, especially for women older than 40.

 

“As a breast cancer survivor, I am a firm believer of the importance of early detection,” Governor Rell said. “I encourage women throughout the state to take a few moments to schedule a mammogram today.  It could save your life.”

 

Connecticut had the third highest rate of new cases of breast cancer in the United States between 2000-2004.  While deaths related to breast cancer have decreased due to early detection, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer-related death among Connecticut women.

 

“This is one of the most important things you can do for yourself,” Governor Rell said. “So often we are busy taking care of our families and others that we never get around to it or put it on the back-burner. I strongly urge every woman in Connecticut to make regular mammograms a priority.”

 

Governor Rell said screenings services are available to low-income women through the state Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection program.

 

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women aged 40 and older have a yearly mammogram.  Mammograms identify changes in a woman’s breast and can detect breast cancer in women who may not complain of breast cancer symptoms. 

 

“Sadly, we estimate that more than 500 women die in Connecticut each year from breast cancer.  Across the country, more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.  “Although the number of new cases of breast cancer has been declining over the years, we are still losing lives.  Going for regular breast exams and mammograms can help detect breast cancer early and save lives.”

 

For additional information:

Screening programs for low-income or under-insured women: www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7804;

American Cancer Society’s report, Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2007-2008: http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/BCFF-Final.pdf.

 

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