Capital Breast Care Center Recognized for Efforts to Combat Breast Cancer in the District
Posted in GUMC Stories
The Council of the District of Columbia has recognized Capital Breast Care Center, a community screening and education program of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, for its efforts to reduce breast cancer mortality in the metropolitan area.
D.C. Council member Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) presented a resolution to the Council on October 16 to recognize the importance of breast cancer awareness and the commitment to lowering the mortality rates that disproportionately affect Washington, D.C.
Cheh presented Tesha Coleman, interim executive director of Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC), and Liz Davey, state vice president of the American Cancer Society, with signed copies of this year’s resolution.
Specifically, the resolution cites CBCC’s provision of “comprehensive, culturally appropriate breast cancer screening services and health education to women in the D.C. metropolitan area, regardless of their ability to pay”; its offering of “onsite mammograms, ultrasound-guided biopsies, health education, clinical breast examinations, patient navigation services for women with abnormal screens or breast cancer symptoms, and transportation services to and from appointments”; and its “Spanish-English bilingual staff that ensures no language barriers exist for those in need of care.”
“Breast cancer is a killer, but it shouldn’t have to be,” Cheh said. “It is important for each woman to talk to her doctor about screening.”
The NFL Players Association joined the Council in recognizing CBCC and the American Cancer Society for their efforts to screen women and research more effective ways to fight the disease.
Council members shared their connections to breast cancer that compelled them to support the resolution.
Council member Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7) said she learned when her mother found a lump through a self-exam that “when one person is diagnosed with breast cancer, it is a family thing—we all go through it.”
Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) spoke of his wife, who was diagnosed in 2001 with stage IV breast cancer and died two years later.
“We are very good when cancer is caught early,” he commented.
Cheh, a breast cancer survivor and strong advocate, gave hope in closing out her remarks: “We can fight this. D.C. will help you.”
By Rebekah Benson-Flannery, CBCC Communications