Vigilance key during "Breast Cancer Awareness Month"

Chicago--With October designated as "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month," Barbara A. McKinzie, international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, urged the 200,000 members--and all African American women--to be vigilant about their breast health this month.

"Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death of African American women," declared McKinzie. "But, by being screened through mammograms, by monitoring any changes in your breasts, and by engaging in other breast-detection activities, you can prevent this disease or have it treated while it is in its early stages."

McKinzie indicated that in recognition of "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month," hospitals and other healthcare facilities often offer free or reduced-cost mammograms, and host informational forums around the disease. She urged all women to take advantage of these benefits as part of the overall effort to be attentive to their health.

She also encouraged women to support research efforts devoted to finding the cause of breast cancer. She specifically cited the Sister Study, a cancer-research entity that is dedicated to finding the causes of breast cancer among African American women.

Adapting the ESP theme that marks her administration and against the facts about Black women being more susceptible to the disease, McKinzie urged all women to be Energized Smart and Proactive about their breast health.

McKinzie, whose platform focuses on economics, said that breast cancer has a financial impact because of the escalating costs of healthcare, the monetary losses incurred from being out of work and the psychic consequences of not being able to contribute to her family and community because of the disease.

Proclaimed McKinzie, "When considering the tremendous downside of this disease, it is vital that you are Energized, Smart and Proactive during the month of October--and year round!"