Last year’s dance saw attendance of more than 500 people and raised more than $50,000. The funds were used to provide mammograms and education to uninsured and underinsured women in Douglas County . Proceeds also benefited the LMH Breast Center which assisted patients in need. The Breast Center also used some of the funds to begin offering “softer” mammograms by purchasing Mammopads to cushion mammography equipment.

“Early diagnosis is the key to long-term survival of breast cancer,” said Jodi Carlson, RN, BSN, Clinical Coordinator of the Breast Center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital . “Mammography can potentially detect a cancer several years before physical changes can be felt.”

Carlson noted that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. “The most powerful tool women have to impact survival is early detection,” she said.

The American Cancer Society estimates 178,480 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 in the , resulting in more than 40,000 deaths. It is estimated that 1,750 of those diagnosed will be in Kansas , resulting in approximately 380 deaths.

The Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance, which runs from 8 p.m. to midnight, will be at the Crown Toyota Pavilion, 3430 South Iowa St., for the second consecutive year.  The evening’s entertainment will again be provided by The Benders, a popular Wichita band whose focus on ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s songs and style will bring back memories and keep everyone dancing. The evening also will feature a costume contest, celebrity emcees and door prizes.

This year’s grand prize will be the “Bug Saves Lives” fully-restored vintage pink Volkswagen Beetle. The Beetle was donated by Das Autohaus, 10^th and New Jersey St. Tickets for the drawing are $10 and the drawing will be held at the dance.

Dance tickets are $25 and may be purchased in the LMH Endowment Association office, 330 Arkansas St, Suite 200; LMH Gift Shop, 325 Maine St; Weaver’s, 9^th and Massachusetts St.; and all Lawrence area Central National Bank locations. Tickets may also be purchased at the door or by calling 785-840-3317. VIP tickets are also available.

Expenses for Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer are being underwritten by the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association and other community sponsors, including Lawrence Clinical Labs and Lawrence Plastic Surgery.

Early Detection Improves Chances

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time there is national focus on increasing the public’s knowledge about this disease. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for finding breast cancer early:

• A mammogram and a breast exam by a doctor or nurse (clinical breast examination) every year for women over the age of 40. Lawrence Memorial Hospital offers mammography services at the Breast Center located at LMH South, Clinton Parkway & Kasold Drive. To schedule a mammogram, call 785-840-3300.

• Between the ages of 20 and 39, women should have a clinical breast exam every three years.

• All women over 20 should do breast self-examination (BSE) every month.

Together, these methods offer the best chance of finding breast cancer early.

For more information contact:
Janice Early-Weas, Director of Community Relations
(785) 840-3132 or janice.early-weas@lmh.org