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Every Woman Matters October Press Release FOR RELEASE October 1-31, 2008 Local Contact: Val Tvrdy, RN Local Every Woman Matters Outreach Four Corners Health Department 877-337-3573 Central Office Contact: Tracey Bonneau, Marketing Coordinator Every Woman Matters 402-471-2922 Annual Exams, Mammograms, Early Detection Help Women Beat Odds of Breast Cancer
LINCOLN—Among Nebraska women, breast cancer accounts for the second largest number of new cancer cases and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths (cardiovascular disease being #1), according to the Nebraska Office of Women’s Health. In an average year, 1,125 Nebraska women develop breast cancer, and 273 of these women die from the disease. But for the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer, it need not be a death sentence—but only if the disease is detected early, says Val Tvrdy, outreach worker for Every Woman Matters, a local program that helps women between the ages of 40 and 64 pay for health exams. “When women get regular annual health screenings and practice regular breast self-exams, they stand the greatest chance of finding the cancer at an early stage when it can be treated best,” Tvrdy says. “The statistics speak for themselves: Studies have shown that, when breast cancer is detected early, a woman has a 96 percent chance of surviving the disease. That number, alone, is reason enough to have a yearly breast exam and mammogram if you’re a woman over 40. Regular health exams could save your life.” According to Tvrdy, the best means of detecting breast cancer early is a three-part approach, comprising of a breast self-exam once a month, a yearly breast exam by a health care professional, and, most importantly, a yearly mammogram (a simple, low-dose x-ray), starting at age 40. In addition to monthly self-exams and annual mammograms, women could experience overall health benefits by quitting smoking; by eating a low-fat diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fiber; and by participating in at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. Every Woman Matters and local health departments are encouraging women to get their annual screenings as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is celebrated throughout October. Every Woman Matters (EWM) provides annual health exams to women over 40 to help find diseases early, when they can be treated best. As a program of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, EWM offers annual exams and personalized health information and support to women between the ages of 40 and 64 with limited or no health insurance and a low to medium income. Services are available in more than 600 clinics.
The EWM toll free number for the Central Office in Lincoln is 1-800-532-2227. Contact Val Tvrdy, RN, and local outreach worker for the Four Corners Health Department (Butler, Polk, Seward and York counties) at 1-877-337-3573.
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