KANSAS
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT
BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR
Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 1998
Contact: Julia M. Francisco, Director of Cancer Control Programs
785/296-1207
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS GOES TO THE KANSAS STATE FAIR
In an effort to increase awareness and early detection of breast cancer, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) FREE to Know Program (FTK), will offer an opportunity for Kansas women who qualify to schedule a free mammogram at the Kansas State Fair. FTK, also known as the Kansas Breast and Cervical Cancer Initiative, has provided free mammograms, clinical breast exams, pelvic and Pap tests, and breast self-exam education for Kansas women 50 years of age and older who meet income guidelines since 1995.
The FTK program, administered by KDHE's Bureau for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and over 50 local partners in Kansas. In addition to scheduling a free mammography appointment with a provider in the woman's home community, FTK staff will be available to answer questions concerning breast and cervical cancer screening. Fair patrons who visit the FTK booth in the Eisenhower Building to learn about the importance of early detection, breast self-exams, and the free screening program will receive a small gift. In an effort to reach additional women who may qualify for free screening services, a raffle will be held. By filling out a short survey, women will be eligible to win an overnight stay at The Cottage House Hotel in Council Grove, Gift Basket from Lindsborg, or a FREE to Know gift basket.
Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in American women. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 180,000 women will learn for the first time this year that they have this disease and more than 40,000 women will lose their lives. In Kansas, 1,700 women will be diagnosed and 400 will die from breast cancer. However, when breast cancer is detected early and treated promptly, suffering and ultimately the loss of life can be significantly reduced.
"By receiving routine screening services and becoming aware of the symptoms, women can become active partners in disease prevention," said Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary of Health and Environment. "By providing disease prevention messages and services, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is better serving the people of Kansas."
Women are encouraged to ask their doctors and other health care providers about mammography screening. Mammography (an "x-ray" picture of the breast) is the single most effective method to detect breast changes that may be cancer. A mammogram can find a breast tumor up to two years before it can be felt by a woman or health care provider. But, mammography screening must be done routinely.
As women age, their risk of breast cancer increases. For most women, high-quality mammography screening should begin at the age of 40. In addition to the use of mammography, health care providers should also examine a woman's breasts (clinical breast examination) as part of routine health care to search for any abnormalities that may be missed by mammography. And, the practice of monthly breast self-examination will alert women to any breast changes that may signal the need for visit to the doctor.
To learn more about the FREE to Know Program or free screening services available in your area call FTK at (785)296-1207 or the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. If you plan to attend the Kansas State Fair, please visit the FREE to Know Booth in the Eisenhower Building.
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9646.wpd
Internet address for National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/
Internet address for the Kansas FREE to Know Program: