For Immediate Release: September 29, 2009

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464, ext. 44306 brian.reardon@st-johns.org Shayne Squires American Cancer Society (217) 523-4503

Real Men Wear Pink to promote breast cancer awareness, screening

St. John's Hospital, American Cancer Society partners with men from throughout

St. John's Hospital, American Cancer Society partners with men from throughout

SPRINGFIELD –- While they prefer wearing blue, Guerry Suggs and Richard Battles are proudly wearing pink this October to help increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of screening. No strangers to breast cancer, Suggs and Battles have had family members touched by the disease and are both breast cancer survivors. Joining the American Cancer Society, St. John’s Hospital and other community partners during October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for this year’s "Real Men Wear Pink" campaign was a great opportunity for the men to champion a cause they feel strongly about.

“Increasing awareness is critical to saving lives,” emphasized Suggs. “I am happy to urge and encourage women to make and keep that annual mammogram appointment and to share information about the importance of early detection with both men and women. While there is no screening program currently available for men, it’s important to be aware, to pay attention to your body. When something does not seem quite right, don’t put off getting it checked out. Make an appointment to see your doctor.”

The “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign is designed to encourage men to remind the women in their lives to get their annual mammograms. This year, men are also being reminded to be alert to any changes in how their breasts normally look and feel, and to discuss any changes with their health care provider.

“Because of a home improvement project and feeling pain in my chest area, I am here today because I had the problem checked out by my doctor,” Battles said. “There is nothing to be embarrassed or shy about. It is a disease that can do a lot of damage if left ignored. I hope that sharing my experience will help save lives by helping people – men and women -  better understand the risks and steps that can be taken to help prevent breast cancer.”

This year in Illinois, more than 8,800 women (60 men) will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 1,970 women (20 men) will die. African-American women in Illinois have the highest death rate of breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group.

Now in its fourth year, “Real Men Wear Pink” asks men from throughout the community wear pink on Fridays and join in activities to help spread the word about the importance of mammograms and detecting breast cancer early. Despite studies showing that early detection, when followed by appropriate treatment, saves lives and increases treatment options, 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.  Real Men Wear Pink emphasizes the importance of knowledge and action – and that being nudged, reminded, supported and encouraged every step of the way by someone who cares can make a life-saving difference.

 “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.

In addition, staff from St. John’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society will be working with community partners to distribute information on mammography and screening guidelines to businesses and at events throughout October. They include: 

• October 1 - send a post card or an electronic mammogram reminder to the women you know.
• October 4th - Sacred Heart Church, a Spanish language congregation, is hosting an education event in Spanish following the 12:30 p.m. Mass.  The Southern Illinois University Medical Student’s Spanish Club will assist. A potluck will be provided by church members. Information will be available in Spanish on breast cancer and other health issues.
• October 8 & 21 - Lincoln Land Community College Women’s Volleyball Team will be playing in pink at home at 6 p.m. when they take on Lewis and Clark. On October 21, they will again hit the court wearing pink in Lincoln when the team plays Lincoln College at 6 p.m.  The team is donating proceeds from the games to breast cancer awareness and services at St. John's Hospital Carol Jo Vecchie Women's Services.
• October 15th - Plant It Pink pick up day.  Pre-ordered bulbs will be available for pickup from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton Avenue. A very limited amount of bulbs will be available for sale.
• October 16 – University of Illinois Springfield Soccer Pink Night.  Join Friday’s soccer games sporting pink. The women’s game kicks off at 5:00 p.m. The men’s game begins at 7:30 p.m. 
• October 18 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. The 2nd annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk is Sunday, October 18 at White Oaks Mall. Registration is at 7:30 a.m., the walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information, call (217) 523-4751 or go to www.makingstridesillinois.com.

• Throughout October:
• Jim Herron Ltd.is offering 10% off any pink clothing item.
• Jos A. Bank Clothier is providing a $1 donation to fight breast cancer for every pink shirt, ;tie, sports shirt or sweater.
• Parkway Café on N. Dirksen is offering a free piece of pie when you wear pink on Friday.

Funds raised through “Real Man Wear Pink” will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Patient Resource Center, located at St. John’s Pavilion. The Center offers individuals facing cancer a wide variety of assistance including information on clinical trials, 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 at St. John’s Hospital, please visit www.st-johns.org.  For more information about American Cancer Society programs, services and events, please call 217-523-4503 or visit www.cancer.org or www.illinoiscancerhelp.org.