October 2009 marks the 25th year of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Great progress has been made in awareness, detection, and treatment of breast cancer; However, there is still much that needs to be accomplished.  Breast Cancer is the most prevelant cancer in women.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) breast cancer occurs at a rate of 117.7 per 100,000 women, this is more than double the rate of the second leading cancer in women.  Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women and first for Hispanic women.  In addition to the many issues surrounding early detection, screening, and treatment there are also a myriad of issues involving survivorship.  The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) estimates that there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.  Survivors face many issues that relate to recurrence and follow-up care, quality of life, and body image, among others.

Throughout October events are held to commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  To find an event near you visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists.  In addition the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance works with policymakers at all level of government to provide meaningful change.

Women In Government is proud to be holding our Breast Cancer Policy Workshop November 4 - 5, 2009 in Washington, DC.  This meeting will convene women state legislators to hear presentations and discuss policy options available to states.  To learn more about this event and to view a full agenda, click here.

To learn more about breast cancer and state policy, visit Women In Government's Policy A-Z page on the topic.