California Breast Cancer Survivors Celebrate Reopening of Every Woman Counts Screening Program

SACRAMENTO – December 8, 2010 The California Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® welcomed the news that the California Department of Public Health officially reopened the Every Woman Counts Program on December 1, 2010. Every Woman Counts is the state’s vital breast and cervical cancer screening program for low-income uninsured and underinsured women in need. Komen for the Cure’s California supporters worked diligently with lawmakers during the historic budget impasse to reinstate funding. Restoration of funding for the potentially life-saving program was recently announced.

“We are so pleased that the Every Woman’s Counts program has been reinstated.  This program truly has the ability to save lives.”  Dr. Sandra Finestone, Board President, Susan G.  Komen for the Cure, Inland Empire Affiliate.

December 1, 2010 marks the first day of new enrollments to Every Woman Counts, since January 1, 2010 when enrollment was halted due to lack of funding. Nearly 300,000 women went without screening during that 10 month period. Komen Affiliates support the California Department of Public Health in the reopening of Every Woman Counts. Women of the age 40 and older should call 1-800-511-2300 to determine eligibility.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all  and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested nearly $1.5 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.