FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2016) -The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) wants to thank everyone who participated in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and encourages all Kentuckians to continue efforts in raising awareness of this important women’s health issue throughout the year.
Breast cancer remains the second most common kind of cancer and Governor Matt Bevin officially proclaimed the month-long observance in Kentucky to bring attention to the impact of the disease and continued need for screenings and education.
DPH, along with the Breast Cancer Trust Fund, are also encouraging Kentucky’s motorcyclists to purchase one of the newly issued Breast Cancer Awareness motorcycle plates.
“The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early,” said Vickie Yates Brown Glisson, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “When you see someone wearing pink or notice a pink sign, license plate or special promotion, it’s a way for us to remind the public about the importance of screening and early detection. We hope everyone will take some extra time this year to reflect on the need for breast cancer awareness and will encourage all the women they know to get the screenings they need.”
About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. DPH officials emphasize the importance of raising awareness in terms of helping remind the public about the continued need for screenings and education.
DPH encourages women to do regular self-examinations as well as keep up with yearly check-ups with their healthcare providers. In addition, public health also advises women to talk with their doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.
“Talk to your doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer,” said Joy Hoskins, director of the Division of Women’s Health in DPH and a registered nurse. “Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms.”
For those interested in obtaining a new Breast Cancer Awareness motorcycle plate, the first 300 ordered are free. The pink “Driving for a Cure” car license plates are currently available at your County Clerk’s office. A portion of the funds from the sale of the pink license plates are used to support programs or services in the areas of research, education, awareness, screening and treatment for breast cancer in medically underserved areas. Contact Christina Marraccini, Breast Cancer Trust Fund program coordinator, at (502) 564-3236 ext. 4156 for more information.
For those who may have questions on where to go or how to receive help getting a mammogram, please call the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program’s “All You Need to Know is Where You Need to Go” toll free number, 1-844-249-0708, and staff will assist you in the search for more information on mammograms.