Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. It is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death among women. In 2018, there were 2,339 new breast cancer cases and 368 cancer deaths in the state.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. In 1997, the Arkansas General Assembly passed the Breast Cancer Act, which led to the ADH’s BreastCare program. The BreastCare program coordinates efforts with providers to offer no-cost screenings and follow-up services to eligible women who are uninsured or underinsured.

Last year, the program served 8,403 women in fiscal year 2021. Those services resulted in 62 Arkansas women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer.

The General Assembly continually reviews legislation to improve services for early detection. In the most recent legislative session, we passed Act 553.

ACT 553 amends the law concerning coverage of diagnostic examinations for breast cancer under certain health benefit plans. It clarifies that an insurer, upon the recommendation of a woman's physician, must offer screening mammography as an essential health benefit if the woman has a prior history of breast cancer or the woman's mother, sister, or any first- or second-degree female relative of the woman has had a history of breast cancer, positive genetic testing, or other risk factors.

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

The Arkansas Department of Health is encouraging women to talk with their healthcare providers about getting screened. If you would like more information on the BreastCare program, call 501-661-2942 or visit www.arbreastcare.com.

Keisha McKinney Included in Inaugural VIPinks Arkansas Campaign/Local leaders Will Raise Awareness and Funds in the Fight to End Breast Cancer

Little Rock, AR – In its inaugural year in Arkansas, 10 leading women will unite to fight breast cancer with the American Cancer Society through participation in the VIPinks campaign. Keisha McKinney, of De Queen, is a member of this elite group. Throughout October, VIPinks will encourage community members to take action in the fight against breast cancer.

“In addition to wearing pink and raising awareness about breast cancer, these women will be raising funds to help the American Cancer Society attack cancer from every angle and save more lives from breast cancer,” said DeAnna Korte, Senior Manager for Community Development for the American Cancer Society. “Funds raised help us save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support.”

Each VIPink participant accepts a fundraising challenge and will compete to be the top fundraiser among her peers by the end of the campaign.

“I am forever indebted to the American Cancer Society. I’m a 12-year cancer survivor and the protocol that sent my cancer into remission was developed by an American Cancer Society funded research team,” stated McKinney. “But fighting this disease is bigger for us. My mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago and continues to fight her battle each day. This month she will travel to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX to seek need treatments and potentially enroll in a clinical trial. I know these are treatment options that were not available 10 years ago when she was diagnosed and that is because of generous donors, talented research teams, and the commitment of the American Cancer Society.”

It is noted that nearly 300,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. The American Cancer Society is committed to continue to be the largest funder of cancer research outside of the US government. Each day new therapies, treatment protocols, screening guidelines, and survivorship patterns are being developed through the $64 million invested in cancer research.

During the pandemic, the American Cancer Society has been hit like most non-profits and this year’s VIPinks and Real Men Wear Pink candidates are challenged to continue to raise funds and bring awareness. Locally, McKinney is hosting a freezer meal fundraiser, partnering with local restaurants for a give back night, auctioning drawings by her toddler son, selling tshirts, and receiving online donations at tiny.cc/vipinkkeisha.

Join me at VIPink Arkansas

Why would I not! The American Cancer Society was the organization that developed the treatment and protocol that put my cancer into remission 12 years ago. I'll forever be grateful for this organization. And, now they need us more than ever to continue to offer services for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.

Our community can make a huge impact in the breast cancer cause,” said McKinney. “I am as committed now as I have ever been to raising funds and bringing awareness for this esteemed organization. I often get asked how the dollars help locally and I smile and say look at my face. I am here because of pennies, quarters, and dollars donated one at a time. When someone gets diagnosed with cancer, it doesn’t matter where they live, they have full access to the resources and treatments developed in the labs where the investment would make the greatest impact. That is always a local impact.”

In addition to funding cancer research, the American Cancer Society provides transportation grants, hotel partnerships, a patient hotline that is available 24/7 at 800-227-2345 and trusted information anytime at cancer.org.

American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin

We know a cancer diagnosis can be scary - and overwhelming. Whether you need emotional support, the latest cancer information, a ride to chemo, or a place to stay when treatment is far away, we're here to help - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information about breast cancer or the VIPinks campaign in Arkansas, call 1-800-227-2345.