Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness for Women and Men.

Business Editors/Medical Writers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 2000

This year, almost 182,200 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,800 are expected to die from this disease. Though breast cancer is the leading cause of death in American women between ages 40 and 59, the disease's mortality rate could be potentially decreased by 30 percent if every woman over 50 was informed about and followed the guidelines for early detection of breast cancer.

"Breast cancer and women's health issues have always been a focus for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida," said Robert J. Forster, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer of care and network quality for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida's North Florida Business Unit. "We are more committed than ever to raising awareness of breast health, early detection, education and treatment of breast cancer. It's a disease that touches millions of lives every year."

Forster continued, "While most of our efforts are targeted toward women, we do not overlook the number of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Men need to become more aware of risk factors and signs because they are less likely to report symptoms until the disease has spread."

The following are considered increased risk factors for breast cancer:

- Age. Most breast cancers occur in women over 60. Men become more susceptible
with age.

- Family history. While 80 percent of all breast cancers occur in women over 50
without a family history of the disease, risk increases if a close relative has
had breast cancer. Men with a family history are also at higher risk.

- Early menstruation. Beginning menstruation prior to age 12 increases risk.
Also, the more cycles a woman has in her lifetime the greater her likelihood of
developing breast cancer.

- Late pregnancy. Women who are pregnant for the first time after age 30 are at
higher risk.

- No children. Women without children are also in a higher risk category.

- Testicular dysfunction. There is a link between men with testicular
dysfunction and breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society advises women ages 40 and over to have clinical breast exams and screening mammograms each year. Women between 20 to 39 should have a breast exam every three years. All women should perform monthly breast self-examinations. Although most breast changes are not cancer, see your healthcare professional if you notice a lump, swelling, tenderness, skin irritation, dimpling, pain, redness or discharge. Only a qualified physician can make an accurate diagnosis.

For information about breast health or breast cancer, call the National Toll-Free Breast Care Help Line at 1-800-I'M AWARE(R) or visit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Web site, www.komen.org.

As Florida's leading healthcare coverage company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) is dedicated to providing caring solutions and affordable choices to more than 2.7 million members. BCBSF is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. The company's North Florida Business Unit is based in Jacksonville with offices in Panama City, Pensacola, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Tampa, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. For more information about BCBSF, visit its Web site at www.bcbsfl.com.