For Immediate Release
August 11, 1999
Contact: Melissa Forsythe, or Channell Barbour (502) 564-2611

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the Commonwealth. In February 1998, Governor Patton issued an executive order establishing the Governor’s Task Force on Breast Cancer to assess and make recommendations to him. Governor Patton will present the information to the legislators in the upcoming 2000 General Assembly.

First Lady, Judi Patton chairs the Task Force, and Dr. Gilbert Friedell, Director Emeritus of the Markey Cancer Center, serves as Executive Director.

"I know there has been a real dedication to this project," said Governor Patton. "Eighteen recommendations and 60 proposed actions were suggested for the report. We can go from the information we are making available to women to ensuring that there is support for those whose cancers have progressed and require pain management and hospice care. It looks like there is plenty of work to be done."

Task Force members consist of radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation therapists, surgeons, and other practicing physicians, nurses, breast cancer survivors, local/county public health officials, medical social workers, and representatives of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, American Cancer Society, Health Kentucky, Inc., Kentucky African Americans Against Cancer, the Kentucky Medical Association, local breast cancer coalitions, and the health insurance communities.

National experts on mammography registries, breast cancer prevention and education, and clinical treatment guidelines served as Task Force consultants.

The members established four work groups to gather preliminary information on breast cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and quality-of-life services. Members also examined public education, breast cancer screening and treatment, health insurance coverage, supportive services and palliative care, and data/research needs.

"You only have to look into the faces of these victims and hear their stories and you automatically know that we need to be as proactive as we can be in dealing with this disease," said Mrs. Patton. "Early detection means saving lives."