Take Action!

Tell the South Carolina Senate: Early Detection Saves Lives!

When breast cancer is detected early, patients have more treatment options and a greater rate of survival. But in South Carolina the Best Chance Network, which provides these life-saving early detection services, does not receive any funding from our state government.

We find this unacceptable—do you? If so, you can do something about it by taking action now! Send a letter to your state Senator today, urging support of the first-ever South Carolina state funding for early detection of breast and cervical cancer.

Fill Out the Form to Send Your Letter and Fight Breast Cancer

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As your constituent and as an advocate for women and families affected by breast cancer in our community, I strongly urge you to include $2 million in non-recurring funds to the Department of Health and Environmental Control for the Best Chance Network in the FY09 Senate budget. Currently, the state of South Carolina does not provide any funding for this program.

South Carolina's Best Chance Network pays for clinical breast exams, mammograms, pap tests, and other diagnostic services for low-income and uninsured women who would not otherwise have access to these life-saving services. The Best Chance Network is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and in-kind donations from the state.

Unfortunately, the Best Chance Network reaches only one in ten eligible South Carolina women eligible for the program at this time. With a first-ever state appropriation, the Best Chance Network will be able to screen 9,000 additional women for breast and cervical cancer across our state.

It's estimated that more than 600 South Carolina women will lose their battles with breast or cervical cancer this year alone. However, women are more likely to beat both of these diseases when they are detected early through mammograms and pap tests.

A recent study from the American Cancer Society showed that the uninsured are more likely to have a late stage diagnosis of cancer, lowering their chances of survival. South Carolina should invest in the Best Chance Network so breast and cervical cancer can be detected early giving these women a fighting chance and before more expensive late-stage treatment options are necessary.
 
I thank you for your consideration and I hope that you will stand with me - and the nearly 3,000 South Carolina women who will be diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer this year - in supporting this critical program that saves lives. I look forward to hearing your reply.

Thank you,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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