Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Across our nation October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to not only raise awareness about Breast Cancer prevention but to share our support for the continuous effort to find a cure.

Earlier this month I was honored to attend a proclamation ceremony where our governor, my husband Matt Blunt recognized October 2008 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Missouri. Matt understands one of the most important things a woman can do for her health is to be screened for breast cancer. Early detection is vital to fighting this disease.

In fact early detection is so important Matt called for and secured significant funding increases to support free breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Show Me Healthy Women program. The new funding will allow this vital women's health program to serve about 3,000 more women than just four years ago.

This year, Matt signed legislation encouraging donations for breast cancer services for Missouri women. The legislation created a check-off on Missouri income tax forms for contributions to the breast cancer awareness fund. Donations will be used by the Friends of the Missouri Women's Council for breast cancer services.

The Missouri Women's Council heads up our state's pink plate program. Since 2002, the Council's specialty pink license plate has helped raise awareness and provide life saving breast cancer services. This year the campaign raised $40,000 to provide breast cancer services to underinsured Missouri women. For additional information about the specialty plate or to download an application for the "Pink Plate," please visit the Missouri Women's Council's site at www.womenscouncil.org.

As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month we celebrate survivors, support and acknowledge those battling the disease and remember those we have lost to breast cancer.

As your first lady, I have focused on women and children's wellness and have had the opportunity to hear from women about their struggles with breast cancer. I am always inspired and awed by their stories and reminded again and again about the importance of early detection to fight the disease.

Nearly 4,000 Missouri women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. However, there are simple steps we can all take that have the power to save lives.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends a three-step approach to breast cancer screening that includes a combination of mammography, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams:

* Annual mammograms beginning at age 40.

* Clinical breast exam at least every three years beginning at age 20, and annually from age 40 on.

* Monthly breast self-exam beginning by age 20.

Breast cancer affects many of us personally and we must work together to help bring awareness to this cause not only during Breast Cancer Awareness Month but throughout the year.

Missouri first fady Melanie Blunt is honorary chair and spokeswoman for Komen for the Cure -- Mid Missouri Affiliate.