WILMINGTON – The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and Governor Jack Markell have proclaimed that “May is Mammography Month” in Delaware.  Early this morning, Governor Markell held a press conference at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, part of the Christiana Care Health System, and was joined by DBCC’s Executive Director, Vicky Cooke, and Medical Director of the Graham Cancer Center, Dr. Nicholas Petrelli.

“May is Mammography Month” was created by DBCC in May of 2008 as an initiative to remind women in Delaware to schedule their annual mammography screening.  As the month of Mothers’ Day, May is the perfect time to attend to the health of the women we love—our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, relatives, co-workers, and friends— and remind these women to schedule their annual mammogram.

Though mammography cannot prevent or cure breast cancer, it can detect the disease at its earliest stages.  Mammography is still the single most effective tool doctors have to detect breast cancer.  The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over the age of 40 receive an annual screening mammogram.  DBCC is working to educate our community, advocate for screening and treatment, and remove financial, cultural and language barriers so that all women in Delaware in need of a mammogram can get one.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2012, approximately 740 women in Delaware will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 120 will die from the effects of the disease.  Ninety-eight percent of women survive a minimum of five years with early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

“Cancer affects so many lives – it can take an emotional, physical and financial toll on not just the patients, but their entire family,” said Governor Jack Markell.  “Early detection through screenings like mammography is one of the best defenses we have against fighting cancer and allowing people to return to their homes, their jobs and a greater sense of normalcy.”

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition operates the Women’s Mobile Health Screening (WMHS) Van through a contract with the State of Delaware which travels the state to provide on-site digital mammography at community centers, senior centers, health care facilities and employers in Delaware. Women who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for free or reduced cost mammograms through the state’s Screening for Life program and DBCC.  From June 2005 through March 2012, 5,607 women were screened on the Women’s Mobile Health Screening van and 3,307 of those women were uninsured and were able to be screened through Screening for Life.

The Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach is running a special promotion for “May is Mammography Month.” Any woman who schedules their annual mammogram in April, May or June can receive a voucher for a free $10 gift card to the outlet center.  Vouchers can be obtained by visiting one of DBCC’s three office locations or DBCC’s Great Stuff Resale Shop.  For more information, please call 1-866-312-DBCC.

For more information about mammography, please visit www.debreastcancer.org.

About DBCC:

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition is a 501(c)(3) organization offering statewide programs and services of education, outreach, and early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Its mission is to create a community where every person diagnosed with breast cancer is a survivor, and fear and doubt are replaced with knowledge and hope.

Headquartered in Wilmington with offices in Sussex and Kent Counties, DBCC’s programs reach diverse communities to deliver messages that address their unique concerns about breast cancer and

early detection. Recognizing the barriers of language, culture, and economics, DBCC trains community advocates to educate and encourage women to take responsibility for breast health. DBCC helps women with low incomes or those with little or no insurance to receive free or reduced-cost care.  DBCC also supports the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s advocacy efforts to end breast cancer.  All funds raised for DBCC support programs in Delaware and the neighboring areas in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.

For more information about the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, call 866-312-DBCC (3222) or visit the website at www.debreastcancer.org.

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