Press Releases
- For Immediate Release
October 12, 2011 - AUSTIN, TX - For more information, contact
Ellen Read (512) 305-8483
STATE, LOCAL HEALTH OFFICIALS EMPHASIZE IMPORTANCE OF BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS
An estimated 15,562 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year in Texas women, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. More than 2,800 men and women are expected to lose their battle with breast cancer in 2011.
As the nation marks October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, local and state health officials are reminding women of the importance of mammograms. The effort is led by the Governor’s Commission for Women and its partners, which include the Texas Department of State Health Services, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Austin Affiliate and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Numerous events will be held across the state during the month of October to encourage awareness and education.
“At the Institute we have a full court press – both research and prevention activities geared to beat breast cancer,” said Bill Gimson, executive director of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. “Facilities like El Buen Saramitano in Austin promote self-exams, annual mammograms and regular physician’s visits as part of the routine for women aged 40 or over. The Institute is carrying these messages to underserved areas of the state by supporting breast cancer screening and education programs.”
In addition to the El Buen Saramitano, the Institute is funding two other breast cancer-related prevention projects in Austin that target the screening of underserved groups such as Latinos, as well as training nurses in cancer prevention, detection and treatment. These projects are just some of the 80 breast cancer-related prevention and research projects, totaling almost $64 million, which CPRIT is funding across the state.
###
