Weclome to Mission Matters. Each month we will share important information about key cancer issues and ACS programs and give you ideas for including these topics in your local Relay For Life activities. This month we are focusing on breast cancer and the ACS Great American Smokeout. Want to learn more- join the Mission Matters Conference Call Tuesday, October 17 at Noon Eastern and 8:30 PM Eastern by calling 1-800-910-2399 and enter passcode 487160.

Breast Cancer:Through Relay For Life we can emphasize annual mammography screening for all women 40 and older.

Studies have shown that nearly 30% of breast cancer survivors that should be getting annual mammography screening do not adhere to these guidelines. Those that do report annual screening also report that their doctor recommended a mammogram or that their first breast cancer was diagnosed through mammography. It is essential that we use opportunities at RFL to emphasize the importance of annual mammography for breast cancer survivors.

Relay For Life can also promote the ACS email mammogram reminder to RFL participants. Including the information on track signs, in newsletters, and on the on-line fund-raising site would increase the exposure to the availability of the mammogram reminder system. Join the Mission Matters call to learn more!

Great American Smokeout: Thirty years ago, the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout (GASO), began as a way to inspire and encourage smokers to quit. Today, lung cancer incidence and death rates have declined significantly for men and stabilized for women because per capita cigarette consumption is at its lowest since World War II; more than 2,200 communities and 16 states have gone smoke-free and many states have raised tobacco excise taxes.

The 30th anniversary of GASO on November 16, 2006, provides an opportunity to showcase how far we’ve come in helping smokers quit and emphasize what we’ve learned in 30 years – that a combination of de-normalizing tobacco and providing smokers the resources to quit is the most effective way to combat tobacco use in this country. This strategy helps further the Society’s prevention and early detection leadership role and tobacco control platform.

Including the Great American Smokeout in RFL activities:

  • Promote the GASO website (www.cancer.org/smokeout) in electronic communications
  • Post existing GASO banners on webpages
  • Utilize the GASO implementation kit which includes PDF's of newsletters, quizzes, and e-mail blasts

Want to learn more- join the Mission Matters Conference Call Tuesday, October 17 at Noon Eastern and 8:30 PM Eastern by calling 1-800-910-2399 and enter passcode 487160.

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Kelli Barry – October 16, 2006 – 1:44pm

Mission Matters Follow-up

Submitted by Kelli Barry on October 17, 2006 - 9:03pm.

For more information about the Breast Cancer Awareness resources, please contact your staff partner to order the materials mentioned on the Mission Matters call on October 17:

Order # 5011.00 - "Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) Information Kit"

Order # 5011.01 - "Mammograms Matter Magnet"

Order # 5011.02 - "BCAM Postcard Insert

Be sure to check out www.cancer.org for more information on Breast Cancer and the Great American Smokeout. 

 Kelli Barry Director, Mission Integration

Mission Matters

Submitted by Kelli Barry on October 17, 2006 - 9:02pm.

Thanks to all who turned out today for our 1st Mission Matters call.  Join us next month Mission Matters- we will focus on Tobacco Awareness and Issues for Caregivers.   The next call will be on November 14.  Watch for another blog in early November.

Kelli Barry Director, Mission Integration