SACRAMENTO, Calif., A powerful photodocumentary
exhibit to educate and inspire women throughout California was unveiled today
by the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) in recognition of
Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The kick-off of the Every Woman Counts exhibit
was held at Sacramento's Westfield Downtown Plaza, which co-hosted the event
with CDHS and the California Broadcasters Association.

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"On behalf of the state of California and Governor Schwarzenegger, I am
honored to present this passionate exhibit that captures diverse images,
voices and stories of 60 breast cancer survivors," said California Health and
Human Services Secretary Kim Belshe. "Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time
to remind all Californians about how prevention and early detection can help
win the battle against breast cancer."
Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer among women, accounting
for one out of three cancers diagnosed. On average, every 24 minutes a woman
in California is diagnosed with breast cancer. More than 4,000 women
statewide will die from the disease this year. Early detection is the key to
surviving breast cancer. When found and treated early, the survival rate is
95 percent. The key to early detection is a combination of a yearly clinical
breast exam and mammogram for women 40 years of age and older.
Low-income, uninsured and minority women have the lowest rates of annual
screening and suffer from higher mortality rates. CDHS' Cancer Detection
Programs: Every Woman Counts effort is focused on eliminating these
disparities by offering free clinical breast exams and mammograms to these
women.
"I urge all women 40 years of age and older to obtain an annual breast
exam and mammogram," said State Health Director Sandra Shewry. "Women who do
not have insurance that covers the cost of annual breast cancer screening can
call our toll-free number to learn about getting a free breast exam and
mammogram. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death."
Today's Sacramento event promotes a statewide tour of the exhibit set to
begin December 1. The schedule will be online by November 1 at
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/cancerdetection In the meantime, posters of the exhibit will
be displayed in kiosks at the Downtown Plaza in Sacramento, Oakridge Mall in
San Jose, Solano Mall in Fairfield and at Good Neighbor Pharmacy locations
throughout Southern California.
Stan Statham, president and chief executive officer of the California
Broadcasters Association, said, "Our member stations throughout the state have
embraced the need to reach women at risk with the program's vital message."
Since 1991, CDHS has provided free breast and cervical cancer services to
more than one million low-income and uninsured/underinsured women. Through
calls to the program's toll-free number, a qualified woman is referred to a
health care provider in her neighborhood. The toll-free line, 1-800-511-2300,
is the only one in the nation that can assist callers in six different
languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Vietnamese.