American Cancer Society Says, "Grab Your Girls & Get Screened!"

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk of Washington, DC, part of the largest breast cancer movement in the U.S., is Saturday, October 22 at The Tidal Basin to raise awareness, celebrate survivorship, remember those lost and fight back. Join or donate at: www.makingstrideswalk.org/washingtondc.

Female breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, but thanks to earlier detection and improved treatment, the number of women dying from the disease has declined by 42 percent over the last three decades. The new “Grab Your Girls” campaign by the American Cancer Society encourages women to grab your friends, sisters, mother and aunts over 45 – and make sure they get their mammograms by scheduling a group screening day. Pick a date and call your doctor because breast cancer is easier to beat when you find it early.

A recent ACS study showed that in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic, there was a six percent drop in women who reported having a breast cancer screening within the past year. This amounts to more than two million U.S. women who are not up to date on their breast health.

“After two and a half years of COVID-19 disruption, it’s time to get back to regular health checks. Grab Your Girls is a reminder to encourage and hold each other accountable for getting an annual mammogram,” said Tswana Sewell, executive director at the American Cancer Society.

“The importance of breast cancer screening cannot be overemphasized. The goal is to identify a cancer at the earliest stages when the treatments are more effective and more likely to be lifesaving,” said medical oncologist George Sotos, MD, practice president of Maryland Oncology Hematology, the presenting sponsor of three of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) walks in the Maryland/Washington DC region. (See below for locations/dates of the local walks.)

“Mammography is a proven screening method that has been shown to decrease breast cancer mortality. Despite newer technologies, which certainly have their own place in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, mammography remains the gold standard for the vast majority of women and should be part of their routine medical care.”

While early detection and treatment is saving more lives than ever, health inequalities cause breast cancer to disproportionally impact Black people. Among Black women, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and has surpassed lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death.

ACS recommends annual breast cancer screening beginning at age 45 with the option to begin at 40. TIPS to make your next girlfriend gathering a self-care celebration:

• If you’re a woman over 45, start a tradition with your friends/family. Learn how screening saves lives at cancer.org/get-screened
• Invite your friend, sister, cousin, mother, grandmother, or coworker to look at calendars and choose four or five days that would be free for screening.
• Nominate a group lead to call the nearest screening location to schedule the appointments.

• Organize something to do together before or after screening – have a great meal, hike, bike ride, see a movie, or get a pedicure – anything the group would enjoy.
• Schedule next year’s screening before you leave the screening location.

About Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC), founded in 1993 in Boston, is the largest breast cancer movement in the U.S., in more than 150 communities nationwide. MSABC celebrates survivors and thrivers, funds lifesaving breast cancer research, and is committed to advancing health equity through free programs and services.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. We invest in lifesaving research, provide 24/7 information and support, and work to ensure that individuals in every community have access to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Learn more at www.cancer.org.

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