VT/NH Affiliate of Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Vermont / New Hampshire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Funds North Country Hospital Breast Cancer Outreach Program

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Goodman Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan Goodman Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Thanks to thousands of volunteers throughout the world dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, the Komen Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised nearly $600 million for the fight against breast cancer.

Each year, Komen State Affiliates throughout the US grant more than $25 million to support breast health and breast cancer outreach projects in their communities. Up to 75 percent of funds raised by a Komen Affiliate remain in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. The remaining 25 percent support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Award and Research Grants Program on the national level.

The Vermont / New Hampshire Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation annually provides community grants totaling more than $250,000 to support Vermont and New Hampshire breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. The VT/ NH Affiliate is one of over 100 Affiliates in the US dedicated to putting an end to breast cancer.

Since 2001, North Country Hospital has been listed among the VT grant recipients along with other organizations in the state. Since that time, over 300 women from Orleans and northern Essex Counties have received help in paying for clinical breast exams, mammograms and breast ultrasounds. These are women who otherwise would not have access to these breast health services. Many do not have insurance, or have insurance with very high deductibles.

One of the Affiliate’s primary fundraising efforts is the Komen Race for the Cure held annually in July at Hildene’s Meadowlands in Manchester, VT.

While breast cancer cannot be prevented, when found in an early stage, treatment can be less complicated and chances for survival are better. Since one in seven women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, it is important for all women to learn about early detection.

This is why regular check ups are so important. The American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recommend the following ABC’s of Breast Health:

A -- Annual mammogram starting at age 40, or on the advice of your health care
provider.
B -- Breast Awareness -- Be familiar with your breasts so that you will notice any
changes and report them to your health care provider without delay.
Practicing breast self-exam on a monthly basis starting at age 20 is a good
way to notice any changes.
C -- Clinical breast exam (CBE) -- This is an exam done by your health care
provider who carefully checks your breasts and underarm areas for any
lumps or changes. Women should have a CBE at least every 3 years
between the ages of 20 and 39, and every year starting at the age of 40.

Remember, early detection is the best protection.

Where can I get more information?

• For information about breast cancer and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation visit www.komen.org.
• For information about the Vermont / New Hampshire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen visit www.vtcure.org.
• Ladies First is a federal program, administered by the Vermont Health Department, to help women obtain clinical breast exams and mammograms. A woman can qualify for this program if she meets the age and income guidelines. For more information about Ladies First, contact Kate at 1-800-508-2222 or visit www.healthyvermonters.info
• The American Cancer Society has a lot of helpful information. Contact the ACS by calling 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org

Or locally, contact North Country Hospital’s Community Health Office at 334-3208.