  Think Pink! National Breast Cancer Awareness month celebrates its 15th year in 1999. It all began in 1985, when ICI Pharmaceuticals Group (now known as Zeneca Pharmaceuticals Group) recognized a serious lack of public information about breast cancer. The company developed a week-long program in October which focused on educating women about early detection of breast cancer. The spark that ignited this first program was provided by a public service announcement - made by Susan Ford Bales and her mother, Betty Ford - and broadcast throughout the country. After the week-long campaign ended, calls were received from people across the U. S. who wanted to do more. And so began what is now known as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual month-long campaign to fight breast cancer. Today this campaign has the support of 17 governmental, professional and medical organizations, and reaches millions of people across the United States. Please join us in the fight against breast cancer by wearing a pink ribbon to symbolize your awareness and support - and by learning how to protect yourself and those you love from this deadly disease. For breast cancer education and early detection information, click here. EARLY DETECTION COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE No woman is safe from breast cancer. That includes your mother, sister, girlfriend, neighbor or even you. That's why throughout October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Planned Parenthood is spreading the word: Early detection is your best defense. If found early, breast cancer is treatable. In fact, more tha nine out of ten women who detect and treat their breast cancer are cancer-free five years later. That's why all women should follow the three easy steps for healthy breast care: Begin breast self-exams every month at age 20; have a health care provider check breasts annually; and schedule mammograms every year or two after age 40 and every year after age 50. Women who find changes in a breast should contact their health care provider immediately. Although most lumps or changes are not cancer, only a doctor can tell. Be safe, be sure. To begin a life-long cycle of breast care, stop at a Planned Parenthood of North East Pennsylvania health center for a free breast self-exam shower card. These waterproof cards hang in the shower as reminders to examine your breasts every month. Also available are breast cancer awareness pins commemorating the 1.6 million American women alive today through early detection. For more information or to find the Planned Parenthood nearest you, call 1-800-230-PLAN.
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