WASHINGTON, D.C – October 20, 2009 – Cancer survivors teamed up with the National Football League (NFL) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) today for a breast cancer awareness event on Capitol Hill.
Coinciding with October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the NFL has implemented the Crucial Catch Campaign, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, working to save lives from breast cancer by encouraging women to get their yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
The Society’s advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN, has long supported programs to help defeat breast cancer, such as the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which gives uninsured, underinsured and low-income women access to the mammograms and Pap smears they need to find cancer at the earliest stage.
“Sixty percent of cancer deaths could be prevented with proper early detection and prevention,” said Daniel E. Smith, president of ACS CAN. “But tragically, because of inadequate federal funding, fewer than one in five eligible women get the lifesaving breast cancer screening and treatment they need through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.”
The event was hosted by Representative Donna F. Edwards (D-MD), who in her first term has been a vocal champion of the cancer community and consistent supporter of legislation to improve public health. Rep. Edwards also represents the district that includes FedEx Field – home to the Washington Redskins.
Redskins Guard Derrick Dockery and his wife Emma told of their connection to breast cancer. Derrick’s mother is a breast cancer survivor and Emma’s mother lost her fight with the disease. They were joined by Tanya Snyder, Crucial Catch spokesperson and wife of Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, who shared her personal story with breast cancer.
“Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 American women and I was one of them last year,” Snyder said. “I am proud to work with the league and the Redskins to remind fans about the importance of annual screenings.”
The American Cancer Society is also encouraging fans to participate in their local American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk as part of an NFL fan team. This event unites communities to honor and celebrate breast-cancer survivors, educate women about reducing their cancer risk and raise money and awareness to save lives. To learn more or get involved, visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/nfl.
Throughout October, NFL games are featuring players, coaches and referees wearing pink game apparel to raise awareness for the Crucial Catch campaign, as well as on-field pink ribbon stencils and special K-balls and pink coins. All special pink apparel worn at games by players and coaches as well as the balls and the coins will auctioned off at NFL Auction (www.NFLAuction.NFL.com), with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society and team charities.
To learn more about how to reduce your risk of breast cancer, visit www.NFL.com/pink. To become an advocate for laws and policies that help people fight the disease, visit www.fightcancer.org/breastcancer.
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Alissa Havens
Phone: (202) 661-5772
Email: [email protected]