Governor Pritzker & IDPH Remind
Illinoisans that Early Detection is Most Effective Way to Fight
Breast Cancer
State of Illinois Observes National Breast
Cancer Awareness Month in October; Governor Issues Mammography Day
Proclamation for October 20
Send a link to a friend
[October 11, 2023]
With National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
underway across the country, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois
Department of Public Health (IDPH) are reminding the public that
early detection is the most effective way to prevent the deadly
disease.
|
The Governor has issued a proclamation declaring
October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 20 as
Mammography Day in Illinois. However public health officials are
urging Illinoisans not to wait and to schedule a comprehensive exam
as soon as possible.
“Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer at an early stage
when treatment is most successful. That’s why it’s important that
anyone who delayed screenings during the pandemic should schedule an
exam with their provider,” Governor Pritzker said. “And for those
who are uninsured or underinsured, IDPH operates the Illinois Breast
and Cervical Cancer Program which offers free mammograms and other
important services.”
While there was a precipitous drop in cancer screening tests during
the pandemic, public health officials say it will take time to
measure the impact of the screening gap.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/Oct/12/images/ads/current/siu_sda_093023.png)
“Breast cancer has affected multiple members of my family and is a
personal issue to me,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “I know
how important mammograms are in detecting breast cancer early and
saving lives. A sharp decrease in the number of mammograms
administered during the COVID-19 pandemic has me concerned about
more advanced, difficult to treat cases of breast cancer in
Illinois. I encourage Illinoisans to schedule a comprehensive exam
as soon as possible and ask your doctor about breast cancer
screening.”
Public health officials note that breast cancer does not only impact
women. Men, non-binary individuals, and trans men and women also can
experience breast/chest cancer, and it is important for everyone to
understand their cancer risk by consulting a trusted provider
Data indicates persistent disparities in breast cancer and that more
Black women die of breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic
group.
The breast cancer statistics are stark:
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women 20 to
59.
One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer
in their lifetime.
[to top of second column] |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/May/02/images/ads/current/guzzardo_lda022609.png)
A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S.
every two minutes.
In Illinois, 10,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every
year.
Risk factors for breast cancer include older age, a family history
of breast or ovarian cancer and having dense breasts. Dense breasts
are seen in half of woman over 40 and the density can make it harder
for small cancers to show up on a mammogram. Women are urged to
consult with their health care provider about their risk factors and
whether additional breast cancer screening is warranted.
Risk factors for breast cancer can be controlled by being physically
active, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake.
For those who are uninsured or underinsured, IDPH operates the
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) which offers
free breast exams and mammograms. The program also assists with
treatment options.
To enroll in IBCCP, call the Women’s Health Line 888-522-1282
(800-547-0466 TTY). The Women’s Health Line will be able to walk
women through the eligibility requirements and the screening
process.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/Oct/12/images/ads/current/humanesociety_sda022411.png)
Since the inception of the IBCCP in 1995, the program has performed
more than 822,000 screenings for more than 351,000 women. In the
most recent full year, state fiscal year 2023, the program performed
14,757 breast cancer screenings and 5,321 cervical cancer
screenings.
Women also can contact their local
IBCCP agency and schedule an appointment.
For more information about the importance of regular screening for
breast cancer, see this
video
presentation from IDPH.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |