Domestic Violence/Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
WHO is Affected By Breast Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive
breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year.
Ten percent of all breast cancer occurs in women under the age of 45. 2,400 women
in the United States under the age of 45 are expected to be diagnosed with breast
cancer, and approximately over 3,000 of those women will die.
WHAT is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from
skin cancer. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in one or both of the breasts.
Breast cancer usually develops in the ducts or lobules, also known as the milk-producing
areas of the breast. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in
women (after lung cancer).
WHERE Can You Go For More Information?
American Cancer Society
Cancer Care
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
WHEN Should I Be Screened?
It is important for women to practice the elements of good breast health. It is suggested
women:
- Obtain regular mammography screening starting at the age of 40
- Obtain annual clinical breast exams
- Perform monthly breast-self exams
- Obtain a risk assessment from a physician
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
WHO is affected by Domestic Violence?
- About 4 of every 10 females seen in selected emergency departments for injuries related
to assault were there because of intimate partner violence.
- It is estimated that there were 22,328 domestic violence cases handled in Michigan's
prosecuting attorney offices in 2000.
- From 1999-2001, a total of 316 violent deaths connected to intimate partner relationships
were registered in the Michigan Intimate Partner Homicide Surveillance System
103,389 domestic violence offenses were reported to the Michigan Uniform Crime Report
(UCR) Program in 2003.
WHAT is Domestic Violence?
Also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, child abuse or intimate partner violence
(IPV), can be broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners
in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, friends or cohabitation.
Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression (hitting, kicking,
biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual
abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert
abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation.
WHERE Can You Go for Help or More Information?
HOW Do I Know if I'm the Victim?
Does your Partner:
- looks or acts in ways that are frightening
- tries to control what the other person does, who the other person sees or talks to,
or where the other person goes
- tries to stop the other person from seeing friends or family members
- tries to take the other person's money or Social Security check
- makes the other person ask for money or refuses to give the other person money that
is supposed to be shared
- makes all of the decisions
- If you answered 'yes' to even one of these questions, you may be in an abusive relationship.
For support and more information please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline
at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For more questions concerning abusive relationships visit http://www.thehotline.org
