According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, breast cancer continues to be the second most common cancer amongst women, and the most common cause of cancer death among Asian and Pacific Islanders.

In American Samoa, cancer is the second leading cause of death, and breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.

This is an alarming statistic, with important implications for women in the Territory. There has never been a greater need for preventive action and the effort to be aware of the prevalence of cancer, what contributes to the disease, or an understanding of all the ways a healthy lifestyle can help prevent it.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the color Pink will be seen everywhere this month, for pink is the signature color of National Breast Cancer Awareness.

The American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition joins this important effort to ensure everyone knows that breast cancer is a priority health concern, and encourages women to have recommended breast cancer screening in order to find cancer risk early.

“First, we are encouraging our local women to visit their doctors this month, and get checked,” said Rochelle Reid, Chairwoman of American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition.

“Next, we’re encouraging community leaders, such as our faipule, faifeau, and matai to support women in making cancer screening a priority. We ask husbands, fathers, brothers and sons to persuade the women in their lives to perform self-breast exams, do a mammogram every year after age 40, and always see a doctor whenever they find something wrong, like a lump. We are excited about the activities for October to get this message out to the community.”

On October 1, 2014 the Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program partnered with the Cancer Coalition, Dept. of Youth & Women’s Services, M.A.S.I. and others for a roadside “Wave” to promote Awareness for National Breast Cancer Month from 6:30 am to 7:30 am at Su’igaula Beach.

At 9a.m., after the Wave, the Cancer Coalition convened the Cancer Support Group  – a gathering of cancer survivors including their families, caregivers, and health care providers. The Group will meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 9a.m. for an hour of sharing, learning, and fellowship.

Everyone is invited. Please call the Cancer Coalition office at 633-4589 for more info.

FREE MAMMOGRAMS

The Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program will be  providing women age 50 FREE mammograms October 14 -17, 2014 at LBJ Tropical Medical Center. Call LBJ at 633-1222 to make an appointment.

During the week of October 20- 25th the Cancer Coalition will partner with ASNOC Women and Sport Commission to promote the “International Day of the Girl.” The actual event date is Saturday, October 25 from 6a.m. – 1p.m.

PINK — THE COLOR OF HOPE

A highlight of the event is the ‘Walk to Remember’ to celebrate the lives of survivors, commemorate those lost to cancer, and to raise awareness about how common cancer is in our community. The Cancer Coalition will provide pink wristbands and bandanas for participants.

Other HOPE and PINK items will be on sale at the Coalition tent to raise money for cancer patient stipends. Please pre-register your group for the ‘Walk to Remember’ and to attend the event on the 25th. The registration form is available weekly in a Samoa News ad, and from the ASNOC office at 699-8855 or by emailing:  lmyscanlan@gmail.com

The Cancer Coalition is also teaming up with ASHSHA varsity coaches and management to raise awareness about cancer by wearing pink hats, wristbands, and sports tape during the varsity football games.

On Saturday, October 4 the Cancer Coalition presented their pink items to the staff at the Veterans Memorial Stadium at halftime. ASHSHA announcers are also reading public service announcements during the games to remind moms, daughter, sisters and friends to get their mammograms done and live healthy lifestyles to prevent cancer.

“The women in our community make a huge difference, and we feel everyone we help is part of our family. We want to help each person in any way possible, whether by providing special items in remembrance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, information, or partnering with others who recognize the importance of Survivors,” said Rochelle Reid.

“Early detection can make the difference in your life, and it can influence your family’s path. By finding the cancer early, you can do something about it. But when you pretend it doesn’t exist, or worse when you DO NOT go back for additional testing, it doesn’t make the cancer go away,” stated Dr. Victor Tofaeono. “Schedule your mammograms, do your self-checks, become healthier — this will help to save lives.”