THE PUBLIC MIND: MRS EMERSON: TRAGEDY OF BREST CANCER CAN BE PREVENTED

Dear Women of Southeast and South Central Missouri:

Did you know one in nine American women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime? Or that 44,000 will lose their lives to the disease this year? Every three minutes in this country another diagnosis of breast cancer is made. These are statistics we don't like to hear, but these numbers are unacceptable!

But there is good news: With early detection, 9 out of 10 cases of breast cancer can be successfully treated. We have made early detection of breast cancer a priority and hope you will too.

Even if you have no family history of the disease, we urge you to take the following steps:

* Do a breast self-examination monthly over age 20.

* Go to the doctor for a breast exam once a year.

* Between 35 and 40, have a baseline mammogram.

* At 40, have a mammogram every 1-2 years.

* At 50, have a mammogram every year.

The theme of Congressional Families Action for Breast Cancer Awareness is "Let's Make Birthdays Count~!" By that, we mean you should schedule your mammogram and/or visit to your doctor around your birthday and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same. If you or any organization you belong to would like more information, please call the Cancer Research Foundation of America at 1-800-227-CRFA.

As women, we must join forces to fight this disease! We must care and help others become aware, and together we can make a difference. "Let's Make Birthdays Count~!"

Sincerely,

Jo Ann Emerson,

wife of Rep. Bill Emerson