PINK RIBBONS HAVE BEEN ON DISPLAY
The month of October has brought out the pink. For 29 years, the month of October has been recognized by the media as well as survivors, family and friends of survivors and/or victims of the disease as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). NBCAM seeks to promote breast cancer awareness and to provide for the sharing and disbursement of information relating to the disease.
In a report released by the American Cancer Society titled Cancer Facts & Figures 2013; approximately 112,230 new cases of cancer were reported in the State of Texas, with breast cancer accounting for nearly 15,000 of those cases. It is important to note that the disease of breast cancer, though rare, can also be found in men. An estimated 2,240 new cases of male breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2013. Overall incidence of breast cancer is approximately 1.3 per 100,000 men, compared to 120.9 per 100,000 women. The Texas Department of State Health Services lists breast cancer as one of the most common cancers diagnosed among women in Texas.
One of the most important things for women to do in the fight against breast cancer is to stay vigilant. Nancy G. Brinker founder and CEO of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in a statement she made in 2010, expressed the importance of this. “We know that early detection is critically important for women with the earliest stages of breast cancer in this country,” she said. “Five-year survival rates of 98 percent are a clear improvement from when we started our work thirty years ago. Women must remain vigilant and proactive about their health.”
While the month of October is almost over, the importance of being mindful about breast cancer should remain all year long. For those looking for more information or for the opportunity to get involved in the fight against breast cancer, you can go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure or by going to The American Cancer Society.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
For over 30 years, the month of October has served to bring attention to domestic violence both in Texas and throughout the nation. Sadly, according to a 2002 poll conducted by the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) approximately 74% of all Texans have been affected by domestic violence. It is because of this statistic and many others that it is so important to be aware of this issue.
The TCFV in a report with 2012 statewide statistics outlines the impact of domestic violence. In 2012, a total of 114 women were killed in Texas as a result of domestic violence. Of the 114 women killed, the youngest was 15 years old; the oldest 84 years old. Numbers released in the 2011 Crime in Texas Report expand upon the widespread and pervasive nature of domestic violence in our communities. This report states that in 2011, Texas law enforcement responded to 177,983 incidences of family violence involving 192,856 victims. TCFV outlines that these numbers sadly only represent those cases that were reported.
One group trying to prevent domestic violence is the Domestic Violence Awareness Project which seeks to support the rights of all individuals to live peacefully and without fear of being harmed. They provide public education which includes promoting public awareness through campaigns, strategies, materials, resources, capacity-building and technical assistance. The strategies also include campaigns that concentrate on the victimization of women throughout their entire life. If you would like additional information on campaigns, materials or resources, go to theNational Resource Center on Domestic Violance, which serves as a great resource.
If you or someone you know is effected by this issue, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224. The hotline provides assistance to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you have any questions, comments or ideas regarding any of the information in this article, please don’t hesitate to contact either my Capitol or District office. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
