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

DATE: FRIDAY, May 5, 1995                   TAG: 9505050046
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

EX-PRESIDENT'S DAUGHTER HAS A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO SHARE WITH WOMEN

``At the time, I thought that didn't apply to me,'' she said in a telephone interview. ``I call those `The Stupid Years'''

As she got older and became the mother of two daughters, Bales became more aware of her - and their - cancer risk.

``Just by filling out medical forms at the doctor's office, I realized this is in my family history,'' said Bales. ``I am a high-risk candidate for the disease.''

Not one to sit on the sidelines, Bales got involved. This year is her ninth as the spokesperson for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed in October.

As part of her effort to get her message out, Bales will speak at this weekend's 8th American Women's Show in the Roanoke Civic Center.

Carole Potter, spokeswoman for the show, said it will focus on issues affecting today's women. She believes women need to take more control of their lives, and she hopes the event will show them how to do it.

``It [the show] seems to have taken on a whole new outlook from past events,'' said Potter. ``We're approaching women's issues very seriously.''

Some of the topics that will be discussed include careers, divorce, education, health, domestic violence, buying an automobile, fashion and starting a business.

Although the event has expanded greatly from past years, Potter still worries whether its scope is broad enough.

``There is so much out there for women, I just want to make sure that we cover it all,'' she said.

One major focus of the event is health - specifically, cancer. A number of speakers, Bales included, will address various aspects of the disease.

For Bales, who will speak Sunday at 1 p.m., the message is simple: Get regular mammograms, do self-examinations, and value yourself.

``Women are the caretakers of everyone, but are usually the last ones to take care of themselves,'' she said. ``I warn them that if they don't take precautions, they may not be around for their families.''

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 46,000 women will die this year from breast cancer.

She said pamphlets on self-examinations, yearly check-ups and the recommended age for mammograms are readily available. During Awareness Month, many clinics offer low-cost or no-cost care.

``If a poor mother has to make the choice of paying for a mammogram or buying groceries, she'll buy the groceries,'' said Bales. ``One of our goals i:wq! s to show women the different avenues they can take to get assistance.''

Bales doesn't believe it's possible to overstress the importance of mammograms.

``What a lot of people don't realize is that breast cancer victims have a 75 percent chance of survival if it's diagnosed early,'' she explained. ''That's why early detection is invaluable.

``I tell women that if they can take 30 minutes to exercise or cook a healthy meal, then they can take five minutes to do a self-examination.''

The American Women's Show: Today through Sunday at the Roanoke Civic Center. Admission is $4 ($3 with a Kroger's receipt). Children under 12 free. 981-1201