Governor Rick Scott Declares February as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- FLASCO
- February 1, 2016
- News
Governor Rick Scott Declares February as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Month
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Metastatic breast cancer is the second leading cancer killer of women, and today Governor Rick Scott focuses attention on the complex disease by declaring February as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Florida. The Governor’s proclamation supports work by the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) to educate Americans on the distinct characteristics and patient needs associated with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
“Being aware of the information, support, treatments, and coping methods available can help those living with the disease, as well as friends and family members, through a very difficult time,” said Governor Scott in the proclamation.
MBC, also called Stage 4 or advanced breast cancer, is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body, making it treatable but incurable. With an estimated quarter of a million people in the U.S. living with the disease today, MBC has become the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
“The average person may not understand that almost 30 percent of women diagnosed with early breast cancer will progress to metastatic breast cancer – an incurable disease with an average survival time of just three years,” said FLASCO President Michael Diaz. “We are working to expand the understanding of the disease to the larger population, to support those with the disease and to find new ways to lengthen their life expectancy.”
In the United States, it is estimated that 150,000-250,000 people are currently living with MBC. MBC patients often have a desire to continue working in activities of daily living while undergoing treatment, and they are grateful for every innovation that can help them be a more active participant in family and community life.
A societal awareness survey conducted by Kelton Global revealed that 61 percent of Americans know little or nothing about metastatic breast cancer, while 72 percent believe advanced breast cancer is curable. This lack of understanding leaves many MBC patients feeling excluded and emotionally unsupported in their battle with cancer.
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Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO)
FLASCO is a member-supported state society that focuses on providing education, timely dissemination of pertinent information, and general support of the Florida professionals who have chosen the challenging medical discipline of oncology. For more information, visit www.FLASCO.org.