National Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off

Tomorrow, Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off for 2003.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the pink ribbon will be out in full force at the Wasilla post office tomorrow afternoon. The month will be full of awareness events which get started at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.

"We're having a kickoff at the Wasilla Post Office from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.," said Jan Barnes, a breast cancer survivor who helped form the Mat-Su Breast Cancer Support Group several years ago.

The U.S. Postal Service is selling breast cancer awareness stamps, and has been for some time. The stamps, which cost 45 cents each, include an eight-cent donation by the U.S. Postal Service for cancer research.

The second event scheduled for the month is at Evangelo's Restaurant on Oct. 4. The second-annual breast cancer awareness luncheon is slated for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with survivors, supporters, family members and friends expected to attend.

The Mat-Su Breast Cancer Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, every month, at the Valley Hospital Medical Center. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the group meets and talks about a variety of breast cancer-related topics.

"We are always here for women who want to come and talk about anything," Barnes said. "Everyone is welcome."

For more news about the support group, the awareness events or breast cancer information in general, interested people can call Barnes at 376-8689.

This year alone, more than 211,000 women -- many with no previous cancer history in their family -- will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the second-leading cancer among women, trailing only nonmelanoma skin cancers. A common misconception is that men are free from breast cancer risks. While breast cancer is much more common in women, men can develop cancerous tumors in their breast tissue.

Breast cancer is beatable if detected early, making awareness so important in the fight against it.

The American Cancer Society urges women to take the initiative to help beat breast cancer by detecting it early.

Here are the American Cancer Society guidelines:

Women should have a mammogram annually once they reach the age of 40. Mammography is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer.

Women should also have a clinical breast exam every three years from ages 20-39, and then annually starting at age 40.

Starting in their mid-20s, women should perform monthly self-exams, the American Cancer Society recommends. If women notice any irregularities during a self-examination, they are encouraged to contact a health-care professional immediately, rather than waiting.

For more information about breast cancer, including prevention and detection tips, interested people can visit the American Cancer Society's Web page at www.cancer.org.