Dear Colleague,

Cancer is a word that sends shivers through most of us — particularly if we or our loved ones have battled this dreaded disease. Today, one in eight women develops breast cancer over her lifetime. That is an astounding statistic.

Luckily, with early detection and prompt medical care, the breast cancer survival rate is up to 96 percent. My family has been one of the lucky ones, with several people close to me having survived bouts with breast cancer.

However, it shouldn’t take a breast cancer scare to prompt action. Every woman should
be aware of the risk — a risk that increases dramatically with age. A small percentage of men (primarily those with a family history of breast cancer) is also in danger.

That’s why the United Federation of Teachers teamed up with the American Cancer Society, New York City, to create a multifaceted breast cancer program that includes this brochure, a telephone HelpLine and personal visits.

We chose the hourglass as the symbol of our breast cancer campaign to show that time is on our side. We want all of our members — and their spouses, parents, children and friends — to know the importance of early detection.

Our lives and the lives of those we love may depend upon it.

Sincerely,
Randi Weingarten