seholds of almost every
American. Breast cancer affects not only women (and a small
percentage of men) but also the family and entire social
network of breast cancer patients.
Increased public awareness about breast
cancer serves many purposes: heightening sensitivity to the
needs of patients and the need for more research into the
causes of the disease and new treatment modalities and the
on-going need for education about early detection and personal
health responsibility.
How to be Heard and Make a Difference
Become involved with a breast cancer
organization. Working together to impact public policy is the
best way to bring about the changes that we need to find a
cure for breast cancer.
- Volunteer your time to a breast cancer organization. It
is another powerful way to help make things better for
people whose lives are touched by breast cancer. Turning
your experience with breast cancer into an opportunity to
help others is a wonderful part of the healing process.
- Calls and letters do make a difference! Let your
public/elected officials know your concern for the issues
that are important to you regarding breast cancer. Some
important phone numbers to get you started include:
- The United States Capital Building: (202) 225-3121 --
Callers can reach members of Congress and the Senate by
calling this number Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
- The White House: (202) 456-1111 -- callers can leave
a message for the President of the United States via
this phone number.
- Fund raising on behalf of breast cancer organizations
and research is an important activity that will bring in
more money to support this work.
