American Cancer Society Honors Macy's West; Retailer's Contributions to Breast Cancer Research and Education Lauded.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 1998--The American Cancer Society, California Division, Inc., is honoring Macy's West with a special achievement award, recognizing the California retailer's outstanding commitment to breast cancer research, prevention, early detection and education.

The award is being presented today in Sacramento at the American Cancer Society's 52nd Annual Meeting.

This year alone, Macy's West has given more than $50,000 to the American Cancer Society to fund breast cancer research at several California-based hospitals. In addition, it has sponsored American Cancer Society events around the state including "Tell-a-Friend" -- a year-long promotion involving women contacting their female friends to encourage them to have an annual breast cancer screening, especially mammography, for all women over 40 years old.

Macy's is also making a major commitment to its customers, and its 30,000 employees, during October's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month through a unique in-store program to educate women about breast health called, "For Her Sake." The program will provide to customers American Cancer Society breast health guidelines as well as coupons for special discounts and gifts from the lingerie departments at Macy's stores. Macy's "For Her Sake" program Thank You Cards will be available for a donation, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

And to carry the message to an even greater audience, Macy's will partner will another retailer -- the American Cancer Society's Discovery Shops. These upscale resale stores offer gently used fashions and home furnishings with proceeds going to the fight against cancer. The Macy's "For Her Sake" Thank You Cards will be available at all 50 Discovery Shop locations thoughout California.

"The support Macy's West has given us is truly overwhelming," said American Cancer Society, California Division, Chair Helen Mendel, CMD. "Early diagnosis of breast cancer is the key to survival. Our research shows less than 50% of women had a mammogram in the last two years even though annual mammograms for women 40 years old and older are covered by all private health plans and Medicare. Having Macy's share our breast health guidelines with their tens of thousands of customers throughout the state will literally save lives," Mendel continued. "And for that, we are extremely grateful."

Every year, more than 180,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 44,000 women die from the disease. While all women are at risk, 95% of breast cancers are found in women aged 40 and over.

American Cancer Society breast cancer detection guidelines call for monthly breast self-exams, clinical breast exams every three years for women age 20-39; women age 40 and over should have a monthly breast self-exam, annual clinical exam and annual mammogram. Women at a higher risk for breast cancer may require a screening schedule that begins earlier and should consult their physician.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information about the American Cancer Society and its programs, contact your local office or call 800/ACS-2345; or visit www.cancer.org. -0-

                     American Cancer Society
                    Breast Cancer Fact Sheet
--   Every year, approximately 180,000 women in the United States are
  diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 44,000 women die
  from breast cancer.
--   Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in
  women, accounting for one out of every three cancer diagnoses in
  the United States.
--   All women are at risk of developing breast cancer. The biggest
  risk factors are being a women and aging.
--   95 percent of breast cancers are found in women aged 40 years old
  and older.
--   Breast cancer cannot be prevented. Some studies, however, suggest
  that physical activity, good nutrition and perhaps certain drugs
  may lower a woman's risk of getting the disease.
--   Nearly 97 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer
  at an early stage survive for more than five years.
--   Mammography is the best tool for early detection of breast
  cancer, preventing thousands of deaths each year. Mammograms can
  detect cancers several years before a woman or her health care
  provider can feel a lump.
--   The American Cancer Society recommends the following breast
  cancer screening guidelines:
  --   Women aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram
       every year.
  --   Between the ages of 20 and 39, women should have a clinical
       breast examination by a health professional every 3 years.
       After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health
       professional every year.
  --   Women aged 20 or older should perform a breast
       self-examination (BSE) every month.
--   For more information about early detection or breast cancer, call
  the American Cancer Society at 800/ACS-2345 or visit the
  Society's website at www.cancer.org. Both are available 24 hours
  a day, seven days a week.
Contact: Katherine Plourde, 510/893-7900 x 223.