Ladies, men, boys and girls have dressed in various shades of pink in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month during October. Thank you to all my sister survivors who willingly shared their stories from this dreaded disease in an attempt to enlighten and help educate other women. We as Survivors do not want to see another woman or man walk in our shoes.

Realizing that African American women have the highest mortality rate from breast cancer although we are diagnosed less frequently. Our tumors are larger and more aggressive due to several factors especially late treatment. Our young women under age forty are being diagnosed at alarming high rates. We know that breast cancer is the leading cause of death among African Americans

I would like to encourage all survivors to break the silence in your family and in community. Realizing that medical family history is just as important as our family history. Sharing your story may help save the life of a family member or friend.

Remind everyone to follow the three steps to good breast health:

· Monthly self-breast -exam beginning at age 20.

· Clinical breast exam every 3 years staring at age 20 and annually after age 40.

· Mammography exam yearly beginning at age 40.

Get to know your breast, recognize and report any changes to your doctor. Remember breast diagnosis are made daily not just in October.

Annie Ruth Staten,

Survivor and Founder Celebrating Life After Breast Cancer Support Group