This year more than 180,000 women in the United States will learn for the first time that they have breast cancer, a condition that will result in more than 40,000 deaths.  In fact, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer for American women; however, early detection and prompt treatment can significantly reduce the suffering and deaths caused by this disease.

In responding to this important public health issue, I am joining with mayors across the country to promote National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) in October and to observe the third Friday in October as National Mammography Day.  We are calling on all in our communities -- employers, physicians, churches, clubs, and other organizations, to encourage women of all ages to obtain information about screening and mammography and to seek appropriate services.  Our efforts are part of the Mayors' Campaign Against Breast Cancer (of which I am a member) that The United States Conference of Mayors is conducting under a five-year Cooperative Agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since women comprise 49 percent of employees in the United States, the workplace provides an optimum environment for increasing breast cancer awareness and screening.  It is critical that all other employers in Dearborn join with me and similarly involve their employees in NBCAM, one of our nation's most important public health initiatives.

Many women need to overcome common objections such as:

• "I'm too old to worry" or "I'm too old to get breast cancer" or "I've lived this long without a mammogram." 75% of all breast cancer occurs in women over the age of 50.

• "If anything is wrong, I don't have a doctor to go to." Local hospitals have physician referral services.  The mammography facility can also suggest physicians for follow-up services.

• "I've heard that it hurts." I understand it is true that women feel some pressure during the x-ray.  This is needed for a good image.  It is a bit uncomfortable, but just for a few seconds.

• "I have no symptoms." Breast cancer in its earliest stages has no symptoms.  When detected early, it is almost 100% curable.

• "No one in my family has had breast cancer." All women are at risk, especially as they grow older.  Most women who get cancer have reported no family history of it.

• "My insurance doesn't cover mammograms" or "I can't afford one." Free and low-cost exams are available for women who are over 40 years of age.  To see if you qualify, call the American Cancer Society, at 1-800-ACS-2345.

October has been declared as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 15 is National Mammography Day.  I urge all women and their families to get the facts about breast cancer and mammography.