Breast Cancer Initiatives

The most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancer is breast cancer.  There is a 1 in 8 chance that a woman will develop breast cancer.  Early detection of breast cancer equates to greater survival from the disease.  The goal is to find cancer when it is small and has not spread.  Treatment at an earlier stage is easier treat. 

A screening test is when we look for disease in people who do not have symptoms.  Essentially we want to find the disease before it has progressed.  It is important to talk with your doctor about your risk for breast cancer.  Screening recommendations may change based on your risk.  Women of average risk should begin screening for breast cancer at age 40.  Women at a higher risk such as women with a first degree relative may begin screening sooner.  Of course if a symptom, such as a lump, discharge, or skin puckering occurred on the breast you should call your doctor right away.  It may be nothing, but it may be something too.

Projects…

Worksite Projects

The Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health has worked with worksites to promote breast cancer screening by partnering with organizations/businesses.  The purpose of the project is to promote and encourage women to get breast cancer screening and to utilize their health insurance. 

How does it work…

  • A survey of the organizations employees occur to determine screening percentages. 
  • Projects, events and activities such as workshops, email blasts, pink day, screening buddies, etc. occur to move women toward screening. 
  • Employees are surveyed again to see if a larger percentage of the employees were screened for breast cancer. 
  • The goal is to increase the utilization of breast cancer screening among the group.

We look forward to developing this project with new businesses and organizations.  If you are interested in the Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health working with your place of business please feel free to contact us at any time.

References:

About Breast Cancer.  American Cancer Society.

Breast Cancer.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Updated:  6/9/20

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A Bit About the Coalition

Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health is a regional chronic disease prevention coalition funded by the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Cancer Control and Prevention. Our purpose is to reduce the state's cancer burden and improve health outcomes for people with, or at risk for, cancer and other chronic diseases in Atlantic and Cape may counties. For more information on comprehensive cancer control, visit www.njcancer.gov. Shore Medical Center is the lead agency for Atlantic and Cape May counties. The CACH is working on a variety of projects to improve our community's health. You can help by becoming involved by being a member or volunteer. Anyone interested should call 609-653-3923.

Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health

c/o Shore Medical Center, Cancer Center
100 Medical Center Way
Somers Point, NJ 08244
Phone: 609-653-3923