October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October was officially declared Breast Cancer Awareness Month during a proclamation signing ceremony yesterday at the Department of Public Health.

The ceremony, attended by high school students, DPH staff, Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, as well as other government agencies, also included the awarding of the Breast Cancer Awareness Perpetual Trophy to the Saipan Southern High School. The award is given to the high school that made the most pink ribbons signifying Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The declaration kicked off a campaign featuring various activities, including a celebrity bagging, a walk-a-thon, and presentations intended to educate and encourage women in the Commonwealth on breast cancer, detection of the cancer, and treatment.

“Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death, only secondary to lung cancer,” said DPH Secretary Dr. James Hofschneider. “We do have a screening program, and that means we can detect it early. Early detection is very important so you can intervene.”

Over 200,000 new cases of female breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2004 and close to 40,000 will die from the disease. In the Commonwealth, the five-year mean age-specific breast cancer mortality rate is 5.04 per 10,000 women over the age of 40 in 2001.

“We are here today because we know we can do something about it…before our families and loved ones are left without the woman, wife, or mother they love,” Tudela said.

Between 1998 and 2002, 37 cancers have been detected in the Commonwealth, while 107 were found to be benign. The CHC has also conducted a total of 5,736 mammograms between 1998 and 2003, with 857 in 1998, 802 in 1999, 943 in 2000, 965 in 2001, 1,223 in 2002, and 954 in 2003.

Further, 21 mortality cases have been detected between 1995 and 2002, and 66 morbidity between 1995 and 2003.

“Sometimes the first test may not pick up the cancer, so it’s very important to make sure you have regular check up for testing,” Babauta said.

The theme for this year’s campaign is “No more excuses…Get your mammogram today.”

Saipan Southern High School made 20,602 ribbons to win first place in the ribbon competition, while Marianas High School and Marianas Baptists Academy finished in second and third place with 12,205 and 4,027 ribbons.

In all, 38,041 ribbons were made by five schools, also including Kagman High School and Saipan International School.

The plaque, contributed by the Women’s Affairs Office, was displayed at Marianas High School last year after the school contributed the most ribbons.