Thank you Acadiana!  10th Annual Race for the Cure a Huge Success!

The Komen Acadiana Race for the Cure broke participant and revenue records for the 3rd year in a row!  We are still working on finalizing the numbers, but know that over 9,400 Acadiana area residents registered to participate in this year's race.  Thank you for your continued support.  It's not to late to make a donation or ask friends, family and co-workers for donations.  Race donations will continue to be accepted through April 30th, 2009.

If you did not receive this year's race t-shirt, please make plans to pick it up on Saturday, May 2nd, between 9am and 3pm at Stone Energy (625 E. Kaliste Saloom).  We apologize for this inconvenience, but we place our order in early January and t-shirts are not produced locally.  In addition, it is impossible to project the participant growth that we've had the past three years.  If you are not able to pick up your shirt, please send a family member or friend to pick it up for you.

Mark your calendar now for Saturday, March 20th, 2010 for our 11th annual race!

Louisiana #1 in the Highest Rate of Breast Cancer Mortality in the Nation

Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.

Based on 2000-05 data released by the National Cancer Institute this year, Louisiana is #1 in the highest rate of breast cancer mortality in the United States. (U.S. deaths: 25.5 per 100,000; Louisiana deaths: 29.8 per 100,000)

In addition, four of the parishes in the Komen Acadiana service area have a higher rate of breast cancer mortality than the national average. These include: Iberia, Lafayette, Vermilion & Acadia.

The six Komen affiliates in Louisiana awarded over 1.3 million dollars in education, screening & treatment grants in 2008. We are proud of our work throughout the state, but these latest statistics prove that we still have a lot of work to do.

No matter what your age, sex, race or socio-economic status, we eoncourage you to be familiar with Komen's recommendations for breast health because breast cancer does not discriminate.

Komen's Breast Health Recommendations:

• KNOW YOUR RISK by learning about your family health history and talking to your health care provider about your own personal risk.
• GET SCREENED. Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk. Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk. Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40.
• KNOW WHAT IS NORMAL FOR YOU - how your breasts look and feel and report any changes to your health care provider right away.
• MAKE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES that may reduce your risk of breast cancer.