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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, October 5, 2009 |
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Early Breast Cancer Detection Saves LivesDENVER - When breast cancer is detected early, 96 percent of patients can survive after five years. But if the cancer isn't caught until the latest stage when the disease has spread well beyond the breast, the percentage drops dramatically, to 21 percent. That's why the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment encourages women over age 40 to routinely take advantage of early detection methods, including mammography and clinical breast exams. Early detection of breast cancer means that physicians have more treatment options available, and this can significantly improve a patients survival rate. According to the departments Colorado Central Cancer Registry, about 75 percent of the 3,700 breast cancers diagnosed each year in Colorado are detected early. However, Hispanic and Black women have lower early-detection rates than White, non-Hispanic women. Furthermore, women diagnosed with breast cancer who have private health insurance are detected earlier than women on Medicaid or women with no insurance. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among Colorado women, and is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths after lung and colorectal cancers, said Sandra Mortensen, Women's Wellness Connection program director. About 520 women will die from breast cancer in 2009. But if all Colorado women, especially Black and Hispanic women, took advantage of early detection methods on a routine basis, our death rate would likely decrease. Mortensen said that women who cannot afford a mammogram and/or are uninsured can receive free screenings through the Women's Wellness Connection at more than 120 health care providers across Colorado. The program also pays for any follow-up tests and treatment for those women diagnosed with breast cancer. For a list of free screening providers throughout Colorado, to find out if they are eligible and to make an appointment, women are encouraged to call the Women's Wellness Connection at 1-866-951-WELL (9355) or visit http://www.womenswellnessconnection.org/. Information is available in English and Spanish. ---30--- |
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