Did you know that Ohio has the 4th highest breast cancer mortality rate in the United States? Our state needs to close the gap in breast cancer screening and treatment services to improve this alarming statistic.

Last year, Ohio leaders worked to close this gap by providing $5 million in state funding for the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (Ohio BCCP) which provides early detection screening to disadvantaged women in our state.

But, due to budget shortfalls, Governor Ted Strickland has proposed cutting nearly 70 percent of the state's funding for the program – putting at risk thousands of women our leaders just recently worked to save.

Don't let that happen! Click here and urge your state legislators to honor their commitment and protect funding for the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project.

As a dedicated Activist, you know the importance of early detection. When breast and cervical cancer are detected early, patients have more treatment options and a greater rate of survival.

Over 6,700 Ohio mothers, daughters, sisters and loved ones will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 1,800 of them will lose their battle with the disease. But, when breast cancer is detected early, the 5 year survival rate is 98% and treatment costs are less.

The Ohio BCCP program provides free mammograms, clinical breast exams, and pap tests for under-insured and un-insured Ohio women, acting as an important safety net to those in need. In these tough economic times, this program is all the more important, as more Ohioans may find themselves out of work and without insurance. That's why it's critical our elected officials hear from us right now!

Please take moment and urge our leaders to restore funding for early detection services for all women in Ohio.

Together we can ensure that Ohio's poor and disadvantaged women are given a fighting chance.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Rosemary E. Riley
President,
Columbus Affiliate

Ellen Kirkendall,
President,
Greater Cincinnati Affiliate

Susan Kurzweil
President,
Northeast Ohio Affiliate

Cindy M. Taylor
President,
Northwest Ohio Affiliate

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