Ocotober 15, 2009

Breast Cancer is the leading type of cancer in Women and the 2nd cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific, American Indian and Alaska Native Women.

Mammograms are the best way to detect Breast Cancer and should be done every year after age 40.

 Age, Health and avoiding risk factors at an early age such as self breast exams, or clinical exams in the doctors office. 

Age, beginning menstruation early, older age at first birth or never giving birth, heredity, and having other radition therapy on chest  are risk factors.  Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram, taking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, obesity, drinking alcohol, and being of the Caucasion Race are also big risk factors which directly relate to a Breast Cancer Diagnosis.

Saint Andrews Presbyterian College Students have always been Advocates for Breast Cancer. Saint Andrews College is located in Laurinburg NC. During the month of October, all is expected to wear pink, boys or girls and even Staff and Faculty. It has become a tradition and much is done to raise money for the Breast Cancer Society. Pink SAPC shirts are sold with monies going to research, as well as raffles, a walk and a wall that people can write down the name of lost loved ones. These students are clearly serious about being advocates. Breast Cancer may affect women only but there are also sons, husbands, fathers and close friends that suffer emotionally as well. Their names are written in honor.

The Breast Cancer Protection Act of 2209 will enable the Doctors and caregivers to decide the length of stay in the hospital and continued care rather than to require insurance companies to cover a minimum of forty-eight hours hospital stay for a patient undergoing a mastectomies. Sometimes 48 hours is not enough time for a patient after this surgery especially given other risk factors. This bill will allow the Doctor to be in control rather than the insurance companies.

Most efforts to see this bill passed urge supporters to sign some type of petition. The most effective way is for advocates of this Legislation is to contact their Congressional Representatives by mail,  telephone, fax, or email, follow this link for more information:

www.snipes.com/politics/medical/mastetomy.asp