On a tour stop, Tee Couch talks to a group in the John P. McGovern, M.D. Visitors Gallery.

ancer ranks among the nation’s leading health concerns. So it’s understandable that people want timely and relevant information on how to access optimal treatments and, whenever possible, what steps to take to prevent cancer.

The Public Education Office provides many programs to help raise cancer awareness. These include a regional Office of the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-CANCER), which has reached almost 450,000 callers since it opened in 1976.

During the past fiscal year, 3,578 individuals took part in 335 institutional tours, which gave them opportunities to visit research laboratories and see patient care services in action. More than 42,000 individuals learned about cancer through health fairs, exhibits and special presentations to worksites, school groups and civic organizations.

In addition, the Public Education Office initiates and supports education efforts with other organizations and conducts community outreach programs focused on prevention and early detection of cancer.

The development of a breast cancer survivorship program model in partnership with the Sisters Network, Inc., is a meaningful example. Completed in 1997, the curriculum — based upon the organization of the Sisters Network, Inc. — was distributed across the nation to groups wanting to form a similar organization in their city.

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creening mammography has been a major factor in finding early breast cancers among asymptomatic women while the tumors can be treated successfully.

Women everywhere are advised to practice breast self-examination (BSE) each month, starting at age 20. Annual mammograms and clinical breast exams are recommended for women 40 and older. Mammography may be suggested for women younger than 40 if they are at high risk for developing the disease.

For several years, M. D. Anderson has offered screening mammography throughout the Houston area. During 1998, a total of 5,351 mammograms were done for women at corporate sites or who took advantage of the mobile mammography van when it went to churches, health fairs or other community locations.

Through a contractual agreement, the van regularly provides mammograms to women who depend on Houston’s Harris County Hospital District for their health care. Funds from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation supported 181 free mammography screenings last year, says Karen Spears, coordinator of mobile mammography screening services.



M. D. Anderson’s mobile mammography van makes house calls to Houston-area companies and other community locations.

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Barbara Beasley and daughter Christy Molasky had time to enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the music of Don Vold, administrative manager for the executive offices of clinical and operational systems. He is among employees and volunteers who play the piano each week day in the Clark Clinic Lobby. Beasley is a fine arts consultant and sells paintings at a Las Vegas art gallery. She has two other daughters and four grandchildren.

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