October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Thousands of marchers will
participate in the Three-Day Breast Cancer Crusade from Santa Barbara to
Malibu this month.
There are many reasons to support the marchers and their crusade.
The mission behind our participation in this crusade is to bring
greater awareness and understanding of breast cancer and to help raise
funds to support programs that educate and provide early detection and
treatment, particularly for women unable to afford medical tests.
Another reason for our participation is to honor the memory of family
and friends who struggled and died in order that others may live.
Thousands of women have contributed greatly to the medical and scientific
knowledge about the various cancers. They were the pioneers that are
helping save thousands of lives today.
A third reason for our participation is to honor and support the many
thousands of breast cancer survivors who inspire us daily by their
courage and determination to live life fully.
In seven years, The Breast Cancer Crusade marchers and crew have
raised $55 million to support medical programs and research projects. It
is estimated that an additional $9 million will be raised this October.
Our goal is to solicit private funds to support critical biomedical
research, education and detection programs.
Consider these facts about breast cancer from the National Cancer
Institute:
* A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes.
* A woman dies of breast cancer every 14 minutes.
* Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and the leading
cause of death for women aged 40-55.
* One out of nine women will develop breast cancer, and all women are
at risk.
* Annual mammograms, breast exams by medical professionals and monthly
self-exams offer the best hope for early detection, treatment and
survival.
* Medical researchers need private funds and support to find a cure.
These facts are not intended to create anxiety and fear. They are
intended to educate. It is through knowledge and understanding that women
can face the reality of cancer and improve their chances to live a
reasonably normal, happy and productive life.
The news on breast cancer is good and gives much hope that someday
soon, the death rate among patients will decline. Many of the brightest
scientific minds are concentrating on medical research and clinical
trials for new treatments that hold great promise. Significant biomedical
breakthroughs have added to the arsenal of medications that oncologists
can use to prolong life and stop the spread of cancer in patients. And
while scientists have more work ahead, education, early detection and
treatment, improved remedies, and increased funding for medical research
are essential elements in the war against all forms of cancer.
This month, thousands will be marching in a most meaningful and
worthwhile crusade. All of us should support the thousands who will march
in the crusade to help put an end to the pain, suffering and death from
breast cancer. We thank you for your support.
CHUCK SAMBAR
Glendale
