
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, October 25, 1994                   TAG: 9410250068
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-7   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

TAKE NOTE

The New River Health District wants to increase access to breast cancer screenings for women over age 50, especially those in minority and low income groups. The health district will participate in a Virginia Department of Health program that has early detection of breast cancer as a long-range goal.

According to information provided by Virginia Department of Health, breast cancer is the leading cause of death among Virginia women under age 65. In 1992, 990 women died from the disease in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Health reports that just under half - 48 percent - of the breast cancer cases reported among African-American women in Virginia were diagnosed in the early stages, compared with 58 percent for white women and 68 percent among Asian women.

The American Cancer Society says having a mammogram routinely at the recommended intervals, seeing your doctor once a year for a physical exam and practicing monthly breast self exams provide the best chances for early detection.

Radford Community Hospital offers these signs to watch for during a monthly breast self exam:

A lump in the breast or armpit.

A thickening or change in texture of the breast.

Dimpling or other changes in the breast or nipple.

Discharge from the nipple.

Women who detect any of these changes should see their physician.

Radford Community Hospital has joined Elizabeth Arden and Carilion Health System in sponsoring a regional mammography screening. A physician referral is required for a diagnostic mammogram.

by CNB