SOUTH BEND, Indiana--October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined.
Heraeus, a leader in dental esthetics, applauds the diligent efforts of NBCAM to raise awareness of breast cancer issues, not just during the month of October, but year-round. The company also continues to help fund breast cancer research by donating a potion of proceeds from the sale of Venus White, its take-home teeth whitening gel, to breast cancer research.
The initiative is key part of Heraeus' larger global citizenship program and reflects the company's commitment to use its resources to impact the greater community.
"Philanthropy is a vital pillar in our business and we are committed to being a responsible global leader," said Christopher Holden, president of Heraeus Kulzer. "We are inspired by the tireless work of those seeking a cure for breast cancer," he adds.
Although breast cancer deaths have declined, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
"There is exciting progress, but there are still women who do not take advantage of early detection and others who do not get screening mammograms and clinical breast exams at regular intervals," explained Nicole Turner, director of marketing for Heraeus Kulzer.
"If all women age 40 and older took advantage of early detection methods--mammography plus clinical breast exam--breast cancer death rates would drop much further, up to 30 percent," said a spokesperson from NBCAM.
The key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely. Findings published by NBCAM include:
* Women age 65 and older are less likely to get mammograms than younger women, even though breast cancer risk increases with age.
* Hispanic women have fewer mammograms than Caucasian women and African American women.
* Women below poverty level are less likely than women at higher incomes to have had a mammogram within the past two years.
* Mammography use has increased for all groups except American Indians and Alaska Natives.
For more information about NBCAM, visit National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
For additional information, call one of the following toll-free numbers: American Cancer Society, (800) 227-2345, National Cancer Institute (NCI), (800) 4-CANCER, Breast Cancer Network of Strength, (800) 221-2141.
For more information on Venus White or to make a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, visit Venus White (consumers) or Venus White (professionals).
To read more about Heraeus Kulzer, go to Heraeus Kulzer.
To comment on this topic, go to PennWell Dental Community site.
