Cancer Awareness: Cenla Health - Alexandria, Pineville, Louisiana

CANCER AWARENESS IN CENTRAL LOUISIANA
Edward G. Randolph, Jr.,
Mayor, City of Alexandria

According to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts & Figures 2005, cancers of the lung, breast, colon and prostate will be the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Louisiana this year.

The National Cancer Institute reports average figures for the years 1998 through 2002 in Rapides Parish are lung cancer cases 107 per year; breast cancer cases 76 per year; and prostate cancer cases 96 per year (these reports are done in a four-year lag period).

As a member of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and in response to this important public health issue, I am joining with close to 250 Mayors across the country to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (September), National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), National Mammography Day (October 15, 2005), and Smoking Cessation Awareness Month (November).We are calling upon all in our communities – employers, physicians, churches, clubs, and other organizations to encourage women of all ages to obtain information about cancer screening and mammography and to seek appropriate services.

Through my Cancer Awareness Program, I use information given to me by USCM to promote cancer awareness in my community, paying close attention to underserve and high-risk populations.The Mayors' Campaign Against Breast Cancer raises awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer screening and refers eligible women to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state-based screening programs.The Mayors' Coalition for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education is dedicated to helping men through informed decision-making about prostate cancer screening and treatment.

In the past, the Mayor's Cancer Awareness Campaign has joined forces with the American Cancer Society to host events promoting cancer awareness.At our “Mother and Daughter Tea," a local oncologist spoke on the importance of healthy life practices in the prevention of cancer.Last fall, we featured Anthony Herrera, an actor on the CBS daytime show, “As the World Turns."Anthony, a cancer survivor told his story and offer motivation to those who were diagnosed with cancer.

I encourage all in our community to support me in this effort to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, National Breast Caner Awareness Month, National Mammography Day and Smoking Cessation Awareness Month.

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