DHSS Press Release |
Date: May 10, 1999 DHSS-DPH17-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Jennifer Castleberry, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Ron Gough Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FIRST LADY ADDRESSES WOMEN'S HEALTH CONCERNS
Breast cancer, cervical cancer and osteoporosis are highlighted
DOVER - Delaware First Lady Martha S. Carper joined officials from the Division of Public Health and the American Cancer Society today to raise awareness of free mammography and other health services that are available to women in Delaware. The health celebration, which featured exhibits on breast and cervical cancer screening services, osteoporosis and other women's health topics took place at the Williams State Service Center in Dover.
"We want all women to understand that they are in charge of their health," said Mrs. Carper. "It is important to take care of your health not only for your own sake, but for the sake of your children and family as well." The First Lady stressed the importance of routine screenings for breast and cervical cancer, which can strike anyone.
Mrs. Carper also noted that osteoporosis-the thinning of bones-affects many women after menopause. "It is important to eat foods high in calcium and talk with your doctor about other ways to prevent osteoporosis," she said.
Also speaking at the event were Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, Director for the Division of Public Health and Judy Dolinger, community specialist with the American Cancer Society. "Each year, approximately 500 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in Delaware," said Tillman. "The best defense is early detection and treatment. With earlier diagnosis and the advancements in treatment options, more and more women are surviving breast cancer and returning to normal, cancer-free lives."
More than 1,000 uninsured or underinsured women now benefit from breast and cervical cancer screening services provided by the Division of Public Health's Screening for Life program, yet there are as many as 9,000 more women in Delaware who qualify for the program but are not receiving the tests.
Screening for Life is partnering with the American Cancer Society to reach this at-risk population and link them to the screening and diagnostic services they need-including mammography, Pap test, pelvic exams and more. Both programs pay for all or part of these services for women who cannot afford it.
The Division of Public Health is also preparing to launch an awareness campaign on osteoporosis, a preventable disease that now affects nearly 75,000 older Delawareans. In the United States, osteoporosis causes 1.5 million fractures and costs $13.8 billion annually. "These statistics are staggering for a disease that can be prevented with adequate calcium intake throughout the lifetime," Tillman said.
For more information on breast and cervical cancer screening services, call the Screening for Life Program at 1-800-464-HELP or the American Cancer Society at 1-800-304-0779.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
