RICHMOND — The American Cancer Society announced this week that it will donate $50,000 to the Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
The program offers free early cancer detection services, such as mammogram screenings and Pap tests, to qualified women.
The $50,000 donation, together with Gov. Timothy M. Kaines $300,000 budget proposal for the program, will enable 1,000 more women to have mammogram screenings, the society announced at a meeting at the Capitol.
Kaine, who spoke at Mondays meeting, said the key to treating breast cancer begins with early detection.
Its so important, he said. My moms a breast cancer survivor.
Kaine said his budget would help low-income women get mammogram screenings. We have been able to intervene effectively, he said.
Early cancer diagnoses may not change the cancer rate, but they will improve womens survival rate, Kaine said.
Everyone can educate their friends and their neighbors and their relatives, he said.
Lisa Schaffner, news anchor for Richmond television station WRIC, also spoke at the meeting.
Schaffner reminded the audience that everyone is a part of winning the battle against cancer.
She introduced three cancer survivors Catherine Oakes, Areta Johnson and Pat Turner who will be featured in upcoming advertisements.
These are the people you are supporting, Schaffner said, her arms around two of the women.