Seasons Greetings

May the gift of hope this holiday season bring us closer to our promise for the cure.

Because of your support and the support of our generous partners and sponsors, we have many reasons to celebrate 2008, and we have great optimism for the New Year.

Cheers to a memorable year...

• Komen Puget Sound awarded a record setting $1.8 million during the 2008 grant cycle to local non profit, tribal, and government agencies for life saving breast health care and treatment.
  
• 1,900 free mammograms have been performed for low income and uninsured women through Komen funding to the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program
  
• Komen advocated and secured, an additional $585,000 from the legislature to cover digital mammography for the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program
  
• More than 350 low income breast cancer patients received critical financial assistance for daily living expenses through the Komen Patient Assistance Fund
  
• 14,500 participants of all ages raised $2 by joining the Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure last June.
  
• Almost 500 breast cancer survivors attended the annual Komen Puget Sound Survivor Celebration hosted by Holland America Line aboard the ms Oosterdam.

Our success is only possible through your generosity!
As the year draws to a close, our impact on "creating a world without breast cancer" has been tremendous because of your donation of time and treasure. Yet we also know that there is still so much more to do to reduce the incidence of breast cancer through education and screening.

Please consider extending your support of our work by giving the gift of your time by volunteering, raise awareness and funds by participating in an event, or simply make a monetary gift, perhaps in honor of a loved one or special care provider.

More than anything, we wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with joy,

Komen Promotes Breast Self-Awareness for Early Detection

Dr. Eric P. Winer, Chief Scientific Advisor at Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, stresses that it is important for women to be aware of the normal look and feel of their breasts, further advising them to report any changes to their doctors. Breast health awareness remains critical, since we know that

Women should understand their personal risks of the disease and the benefits of lifestyle choices in terms of reducing the risk of breast cancer. Women can decrease their risk of developing breast cancer by avoiding excessive weight gain, limiting alcohol consumption and getting regular exercise. Routine mammography for women age 40 and over has also been shown to improve breast cancer survival.

Breast cancer remains a common problem, but with a combination of early detection and effective treatment, the vast majority of women will go on to lead a long and healthy life.

Steps to Breast Self-Awareness

1. Know your risk
   • Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
     
   • Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer
2. Get screened
   • Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk
     
   • Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
     
   • Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40
3. Know what is normal for you
   See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:
   • Lump, hard knot or thickening
     
   • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
     
   • Change in the size or shape of the breast
     
   • Dimpling or puckering of the skin
     
   • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
     
   • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
     
   • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
     
   • New pain in one spot that doesn't go away
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices
   • Maintain a healthy weight
     
   • Add exercise into your routine
     
   • Limit alcohol intake
5. Click here to download Steps to Breast Self-Examination card

The generosity of our donors is essential as we continue our efforts to help breast cancer patients today, as well as to invest in the health of future generations. Please click here to find out ways you can support the cause.


Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. It is a national organization with a network of volunteers working through local affiliates and Komen Race for the Cure® events fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment.


For more information on breast health or breast cancer, please call the Komen Foundation's National Toll-Free Helpline 1.800.I'M AWARE® or visit the web site at www.komen.org.

Looking for low-cost mammography resources? If you are age 40 - 64, you may be eligible for free or low-cost breast and cervical health screening services through the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program. Click here for more information.