It’s a devastating fact, and it’s one we can’t afford to forget: During this year alone, more than 6,500 women in North Carolina will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, and approximately 1,340 North Carolina women will die from the disease.
Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in North Carolina, and urges all citizens – men as well as women – to talk to their doctor to assess their risk and undergo routine mammogram screenings as recommended.
North Carolina is fortunate to have so many exceptional medical centers that focus on cancer treatment, giving hope and health to many who otherwise might have nowhere to turn. Indeed, one of the pioneers of digital mammography, Dr. Etta Pisano, did her groundbreaking research while serving as a much-honored researcher and administrator at the UNC School of Medicine.
Dr. Pisano is one of several influential presenters who will join Gov. Perdue and the Council for Women on Nov. 9 for the North Carolina Governor’s Conference for Women. The event, to be held at the Raleigh Convention Center, provides an extraordinary opportunity for women to learn about issues that affect them and ways to empower themselves for greater success.
Dr. Pisano – now dean of the Medical University of South Carolina's College of Medicine – is hard at work developing new methods of breast imaging to help locate and treat cancer earlier. Her tireless efforts have saved countless lives, and her new research will make it possible for even more patients to carry the proud name of "cancer survivor."
Please join us at the conference to celebrate the achievements of Dr. Pisano and so many other women of accomplishment.