Compassionate Capitalism - October 2001

Education, Screening & Treatment

Komen Foundation Fights Breast Cancer

by Kathleen Foley

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from the disease at the age of 36. The Komen Foundation is the nation’s leading private funder of breast cancer research and community programs concerning breast cancer education, screening and treatment projects. In Nevada, the foundation has chapters in Las Vegas and Reno.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 59. It is estimated that in 2001, almost 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will occur in the United States, and it will claim the lives of more than 40,800 women and 400 men. The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) Web site indicates that 1,200 new cases will be diagnosed in Nevada this year and 200 Nevadans will die from the disease. "Nevada women are at a higher risk of dying from breast cancer than women in other states," said Susan Hill, president of the Northern Nevada affiliate. "They are less likely to conduct monthly self-exams or to schedule annual mammograms, even if they have adequate health insurance coverage. Women need to take the time to take care of themselves, so that they can take care of those who depend on them."

Since 1985, October has been officially designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The third Friday in October, which falls this year on the 19th, is National Mammography Day. Both Nevada chapters of the Komen Foundation are planning special events this month to raise awareness, as well as raising funds. Susan Strang, executive director of the Las Vegas chapter, said, "We have just made our annual grant awards, putting close to $200,000 back into the community to allow local groups to promote education, increase access to screening, and provide psychological and social aid to families affected by breast cancer. We hope to distribute an additional $130,000 by the end of the year."

Several different fundraising events are being held in Southern Nevada, including Lee Denim Day on October 5, in which employees make a contribution to the foundation in order to wear jeans to work; a Dance for the Cure marathon at Club Charisma on October 12; and an event called Board Breaks for the Cure by Tae Kwon Do enthusiasts on October 27. BMW dealers are making donations for test drives on October 5 and 6 in Southern Nevada and on October 12 in Reno.

In Northern Nevada, the 2000 Komen Northern Nevada Race for the Cure, held last October, enabled the organization to distribute more than $124,000 in grants to organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Reno Cancer Foundation and Mammovan for Nevada, which provides mammography services in rural communities. This year’s race, a 5K run/fitness walk, will be held on October 7, starting at the Washoe Village Medical Center.

ACTION STEPS

1. Contact The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation:

National Helpline: 800-IM AWARE

Web Site: breastcancer info.com

Las Vegas Affiliate

4850 W. Flamingo Road, Ste. 27

Las Vegas 89103

702-822-2324

Web site: lvrj.com/communitylink/komen

Northern Nevada Affiliate:

2345 E. Prater Way, Ste. 115, Sparks 89434

775-355-7311

Web site: northnvkomen.org

2. Participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Download a Promotion Guide from NBCAM’s Web site: nbcam.org. It details how communities, businesses and individuals can help raise awareness of this event and promote preventive screenings.

Kathleen Foley
Kathleen Foley is a freelance writer based in Southern Nevada.