MSDH Spotlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting several events designed to stress the importance of early screenings for a disease that kills about 400 women each year in our state.

Mississippi has one of the highest breast cancer death rates in the nation, yet more than one-quarter of women here do not receive regular screenings that could save their lives. A woman can be diagnosed with breast cancer at any age, but some are more likely to be affected than others. Black women are more likely than all other ethnicities to die from the disease. Most at risk of developing breast cancer are women over age 50, those whose mothers or sisters have had breast cancer, women who are childless or start their families after age 30, and those who are overweight.

“The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is dedicated in the fight for screening and early detection to eradicate this disease,” said Amy Gibbons, program director. “If someone you love needs a screening, do not hesitate to reach out and let us connect you with an enrolling provider in your area.”

By bringing awareness to the disease and encouraging early detection through these events, MSDH is hoping more women will be screened early and lives will be saved:

The 2nd Annual Louisa Denson Wellness Fair and 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, October 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lefleur’s Playground on Riverside Park Circle in Jackson. Race registration starts at 8 a.m. All are invited to enjoy food trucks, vendors, family fun and giveaways. The first 100 breast cancer survivors to register will receive a commemorative T-shirt and complimentary breakfast from Another Broken Egg. The Office of Preventive Health is sponsoring the event, named for Denson, former director of the Office of Women’s Health, who retired from MSDH after 42 years and died of the disease three years later.

Breast and Cervical Screening on Thursday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson. The screening is for uninsured and underinsured women ages 21 to 64. Please register online at msdh.ms.gov/screening. Once registered, a nurse will contact you to complete screening to determine eligibility. For more information, call 601‑576‑7466.

Know It to Beat It Webinar Series: MSDH is partnering with the Mississippi Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to present the live series. Physicians, advocates and community leaders will answer questions, debunk myths and share information on the prevention, diagnosis, screening and advancements in breast cancer treatment. To register for the Zoom series and see a list of speakers, go to msdh.ms.gov/webinar. The webinars will be held from Noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates:

• October 2
• October 9
• October 16
• October 23
• October 29
• October 30

“Stay in touch with your health by performing a self-exam each month,” said Gibbons. “A few minutes is all it takes to spot potential problems ahead of time.”

Screening mammograms are important because they can find signs of cancer before they can be felt by you or your provider. Detecting cancer early means quicker treatment, more effective treatment, a better chance of recovering, and less risk to your health and life.