FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2010) – In recognition of Gov. Steve Beshear’s declaration of October 2010 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, First Lady Jane Beshear today expressed the importance of regular screenings and early detection. She also announced upcoming Horses and Hope events.
“As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is important that Kentuckians know their healthcare options and take preventive measures, including self-exams,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Together, we can make a difference not just in our own lives, but in the lives of our children and grandchildren.”
Two years ago, the First Lady’s office partnered with the Kentucky Cancer Program to create Horses and Hope, a breast cancer initiative that offers education, screening and treatment referral to those in the state’s horse industry who are uninsured or underinsured. The organization also hosts special events in collaboration with equestrian organizations to honor breast cancer survivors and to share information.
Several Horses and Hope events are scheduled for this fall. Backside health fairs will be held at Keeneland on Oct. 25 and at Churchill Downs on Nov. 1. Churchill Downs will host a Horses and Hope Race Day on Nov. 21 and an employee screening event on Nov. 22. Turfway Park hosted a Race Day on Sept. 24, and Ellis Park hosted a Race Day on Aug. 13.
As a result of Horses and Hope events across the state, more than 275,000 race track and horse show fans and more than 5,000 equine employees have been educated. The program has screened more than 200 workers and detected breast cancer in two individuals, both of whom have received treatment.
Since 1999, the rate of diagnosis of new cases of breast cancer in Kentucky has decreased due to early detection and innovative treatments. As a result, deaths from breast cancer are steadily declining. However, breast cancer remains a leading public health concern in the Commonwealth, where it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
For more information on breast cancer, please contact your local health department or the Kentucky Cancer Program at http://www.kycancerprogram.org/.
For more information about Horses and Hope and upcoming events, visit http://www.horsesandhope.org.
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