PINK RIBBONS ON DISPLAY
The month of October brings out the pink. For 27 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 2011; approximately 105,000 cases of cancer were reported in the State ofTexas, with breast cancer accounting for over 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 2,000 new cases of male breast cancer will be diagnosed in theUnited Statesin 2011. Overall incidence of breast cancer is 1.3 per 100,000 men, compared to 123 per 100,000 women. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among women inTexas.
One of the most important things for women to do in the fight against breast cancer is to stay vigilant.NancyG.Brinkerfounder and CEO of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in a statement 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.”
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. Komenfor the Cure at ww5.komen.org or by going to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
For nearly 30 years, the month of October has served to bring attention to domestic violence both inTexasand throughout the nation. Sadly, approximately 38 percent of women have directly experienced domestic violence. It is because of these statistics that it is so important to be aware of this issue.
The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) just released a report with 2010 statewide statistics. In 2010, a total of 142 women were killed inTexas as a result of domestic violence. That total represents nearly a 28 percent increase since 2009 when 111 women were killed. Of the 142 women killed, the youngest was 17 years old; the oldest 78 years old.
Numbers released in the 2009 Crime in Texas Report expand upon the widespread and pervasive nature of domestic violence in our communities. This report states that in 2009,Texaslaw enforcement responded to 196,713 incidences of family violence involving 212,106 victims. TCFV points out that these numbers only represent those cases that were reported.
One group trying to prevent domestic violence is the Domestic Violence Awareness Project which seeks to support and promote domestic violence service providers. These providers in their ongoing public education efforts promote 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, resources, then the website dvam.vawnet.org serves as a great resource.
If you or someone you know is concerned about 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).
