For Immediate Release: September 26, 2008

Contact: Brian Reardon, St. John's Hospital 544-6464, ext. 44306 Shayne Squires, American Cancer Society 523-4503

St. John’s Hospital, American Cancer Society set to kick off Real Men Wear Pink

Men from throughout area participating in October activities to increase breast cancer awareness

SPRINGFIELD – Wearing pink is not a problem for Scott Elwell who is part of an effort to encourage women 40 years of age and older to undergo an annual mammogram. His wife and mother-in-law are among the family and friends that have battled breast cancer.  He did not hesitate to join Carol Jo Vecchie Women’s Services at St. John’s Hospital, the American Cancer Society and other community partners during October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for this year’s “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign.

“I am happy to urge, coax and share information about the importance of early detection,” Elwell said. “Early detection - annual mammograms- really do save lives. My wife has urged me to get certain screenings, now it’s my turn to help where I can.”

The “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign is designed to encourage men to remind the women in their lives to get their annual mammograms. Men from throughout the community are encouraged to wear pink on Fridays and join in activities planned during the month to help spread the word about the importance of detecting breast cancer early. In addition, staff from St. John’s and the Society will be distributing information on mammography and self-exams to businesses and at events throughout the month including the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk that is being held at White Oaks Mall on October 12.

One out of every seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This year in Illinois alone, approximately 8,800 women (60 men) will be diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of breast cancer saves thousands of lives each year. 

“Encouraging women to get their annual mammograms is a great way for men to join the fight against breast cancer.  Women who get their annual mammogram increase their chances of surviving breast cancer.  The sooner we can detect a malignant tumor, the more likely the odds that the cancer has not spread beyond the breast,” said Dr. Jill Sullivan, a radiologist at St. John's Hospital.

Many women put off or are reluctant to have the exam performed annually because of such factors as fear of the unknown, time constraints, costs due to lack of insurance or being underinsured, and some discomfort associated with mammograms.  St. John’s and the American Cancer Society will be working with different community partners during October to help raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

They include: 

• October 1 - send a post card or an electronic mammogram reminder to the women you know. Make sure that they make – and keep – their annual mammogram appointment.

• Jim Herron Ltd., Jos A. Bank Clothier, Macy’s and other retailers will be offering a greater selection of men’s pink dress and golf shirts and ties. 

• Macy’s has constructed a "wing wall" for men's pink apparel in the men's department on the lower level that includes pink dress shirts, polos and neckwear to highlight the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and the Real Men Wear Pink  campaign.  

• October 12 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be held at White Oaks Mall in Springfield on Sunday, October 12. Registration beings at 8 a.m. The walk begins at 9 a.m. To sign up or for more information visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline or call 217-523-4751.

• For customers wearing  pink:
• On Fridays, Indigo Restaurant in Springfield is offering 10% off and the Apple Barn in Chatham is offering a free small cider slushy.
• On Tuesdays, Ross Isaac’s Restaurant in Springfield is offering a free appetizer with the purchase of 2 entrees.

• October 23 - The Lincoln Land Community College Women’s Volleyball team is donating all proceeds from its game against Lincoln College to support breast cancer support services.  The team will play in pink uniforms.  General admission is $3, or $2 for students and fans dressed in pink attire.

Funds raised through Real Man Wear Pink will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Patient Resource Center, which includes Patient Navigation Services such as rides to and from treatment, Reach to Recovery breast cancer support network, free wigs and hats, and Look Good…Feel Better® to help women deal with the side-effects of treatment. 

For a complete calendar of events and more information about the mammography program and Carol Jo Vecchie Women’s Services at St. John’s Hospital, please visit www.caroljowomen.org.  For more information about the American Cancer Society programs, services and events, please call 217-523-4503 or visit www.cancer.org.