PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:

Cathleen D. Bennett
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

New Jersey Department of Health Recognizes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Department’s New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (NJCEED) lead agencies, local health departments, and regional chronic disease coalitions across the state will be hosting events throughout October to raise awareness and educate New Jersey residents about the importance of early screening.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer death among New Jersey women.

“Regular screenings are important in detecting cancer early and getting the most effective treatment. New Jersey’s cancer survival rates continue to improve and overall death rate is declining due to increased early detection,’’ New Jersey Health Commissioner Cathleen D. Bennett said. “NJCEED has locations across the state that provide education and free screening services to uninsured low-income residents.”

The NJCEED Program provides comprehensive outreach, education, and screening services for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers.

Since 2007, NJCEED has provided more than 130,000 mammograms resulting in diagnoses of more than 1,000 cases of breast cancer.

Virtua CEED will be hosting several screening events throughout October including a mobile mammogram event that will feature a free clinic and education.  The Bergen County Department of Health Services also will sponsor a breast cancer screening expo at the Fairlawn Community Center on October 10, 2017.

The Department’s Office of Cancer Control and Prevention (OCCP) coordinates comprehensive cancer control efforts in New Jersey and establishes state-based comprehensive cancer control plans.  The Office also conducts prevention of cancer risk factors, enhances early detection of preventable cancers, and promotes survivorship through the activities of its Regional Chronic Disease Coalitions.

This year, the Sussex-Warren Regional Chronic Disease Coalition will host the Tie a Ribbon Campaign in all 24 Sussex County municipalities to promote early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

The Department’s Breast Cancer and Breast Imaging Work Group works to review and report on strategies to improve the dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals regarding risk factors for breast cancer and imaging options. Most recently, the group convened to review laws and implications regarding screening and management for women with dense breast determining that dense breast tissue increases the relative risk of breast cancer and patients should be informed of their specific level of density. To view the Breast Imaging Work Group Report, visit:  www.nj.gov/health/bc/documents/Breast Imaging Workgroup June 2017.pdf.

To learn more about NJCEED and upcoming events, visit: www.nj.gov/health/ces/public/resources/njceed.shtml.

 

Last Reviewed: 10/2/2017