Fight Back: Breast Cancer
For even more information on Fighting Back, please visit
www.relayforlife.org/relay/crfbbreast
Fight Back Activity 1: Breast Cancer Awareness
1.
Explain that if detected early, Breast Cancers can be treated
successfully.
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This year, approximately 178,480 women in the United States will
be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (stages I to IV), and
approximately 40,460 women will die from breast cancer.
Although very rare, men can get breast cancer, An estimated
2,030 cases will be diagnosed in men this year, and 450 will die
of the disease
*These statistics came from the 2007 Cancer Facts & Figures.
2. State the Following:
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The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98% among
individuals whose cancer has not spread beyond the breast at the
time of diagnosis. According to the most recent data, death rates
from breast cancer have steadily decreased in women since 1990,
with larger decreases in women younger than 50 (a decrease of
3.3% per year) than in those 50 years and older (2.0% per year).
These decreases are due to increased awareness, earlier detection
through screening, and improved treatment
Most women should begin annual mammograms at age 40 and every
year subsequently. Women with a family history of breast cancer
should discuss an appropriate schedule with their physician.
3. Explain how ACS is fighting Breast Cancer:
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Through providing funding for Breast cancer research
Partnering with medical systems and community groups to promote
breast cancer screenings
Participating in and promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month in
October
Using the media to promote breast cancer screening guidelines
Partnering with local organizations to educate and promote the
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
(NBCCEDP) funded by the CDC and state government. By partnering
with NBCCEDP, ACS assures that medically underserved women have
access to life-saving screening and treatment. Pledge to Fight
Back (share these ideas/ways to Fight Back):
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I CAN make a personal commitment to learn about breast cancer
screening options and guidelines.
I CAN ask for a mammogram reminder email from the American Cancer
Society and send a reminder email to loved ones..
I CAN practice risk reducing behaviors like eating healthy and
getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily
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I CAN enroll in the lifesaving research effort, the Sister Study.
Call 1-877-4SISTER or visit www.sisterstudy.org for more
information.
I CAN host a Health Break at work or with social clubs to
increase awareness of breast cancer prevention and
screening information.
4. Call to Action:
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Visit the personal health messaging assistant
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/greatamericans/content/Heal
th_Messaging_Assistant.asp
6. Suggested materials: please work with your staff partner
for ideas, and also visit cancer.org.
Fight Back Activity 2: Programs and Services
1. Explain that Reach to Recovery is the American Cancer
Society’s one on one support program for breast cancer
patients
 Few things can comfort a woman who has received – a
diagnosis of breast cancer like a fellow survivor. With
information and inspiration, our Reach to Recovery
volunteers ease patients from fear to courage, from despair
to hope.
2. Share the following:
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3.
Reach to Recovery is just one of the programs that the Society
offers to support Breast Cancer survivors. Funding for this
essential program comes from funding through events such as Relay
For Life.
Over 800 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients received a Reach
to Recovery visit in New England last year
Suggested Activity - Have a Reach to Recovery volunteer speak
about their experience as a Reach visitor or a Breast Cancer
Survivor who has had a Reach visit speak about the experience
(2-3 mins)
4. Pledge to Fight Back (share these ideas/ways to Fight Back):
 I CAN share the information I’ve learned about Reach to Recovery™
with someone who could benefit from the program
 I CAN join ACS CAN to help make cancer a top national
priority, and encourage family, friends and colleagues to
do the same.
 I CAN take action to increase funding for the Breast and
Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
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5.
I CAN participate in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
I CAN share my story as a guest speaker at a Team Captain
meeting, Kick-off or on Relay Day or on relayforlife.org
I CAN raise awareness of breast cancer through Relay For Life.
I CAN be a participant, recruit a team at work, or work with my
Advocacy staff partner to implement the Making Strides Though
Advocacy activities.
Suggested materials: please work with your staff partner
for ideas, and also visit cancer.org.
Fight Back At Relay For Life:
Possible tools and activities:
(Please work with your staff partner to determine
materials and activities)
 Use
track signs promoting the Breast Cancer facts and
figures
 Use track signs promoting all Breast cancer support
programs and services
 Use messaging in podium manual in relation to above
 Play Who wants to be a Breast Cancer Free Millionaire
(this needs to be done from the stage as part of the
entertainment activities) – see powerpoint
 Pink Pajama Lap at midnight
 Walkers are encouraged to wear pink pajamas and walk
this special lap at midnight to call attention to
breast health awareness.
 Check with Advocacy chair to see if there is any
legislation involving Breast Health that they need support
for or are forming an activity around.
 Invite representative from the CDC Women’s Breast and
Cervical program to do a display on breast health (bring
models, beads, demos – very hands on). (e.g.Check with
your local health department for the appropriate contact
person or program director)
 Put up posters on breast health, screening guidelines, or
breast support (like Reach) in stalls in ladies rooms.
 Let’s Lick Cancer Pink Ribbon – activity to accentuate
breast health facts. Done with a wood easel in the shape
of a ribbon and lollipops.
 Breast Cancer BINGO
 Invite Relay participants to fill out Breast Cancer
questionnaire