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Winston County Journal

Winston Countians will take up arms in the fight against breast cancer Thursday at the Eighth Annual BATTLE Luncheon and fashion show.

The event will begin at noon at Lake Tiak-O'Khata.

"Breast cancer touches everyone. It's difficult to find someone whose mother, wife, child or next-door neighbor has not suffered from this disease. Our statistics are better, but people are still dying from breast cancer," said Peggy Crawford, one of the founders of the Winston County BATTLE luncheon noting the importance and impact of the event.

Teaching the women of Winston County early detection methods, which have been proven to save lives, has been Crawford's and others' goal since the beginnings of the BATTLE luncheon. Since the inception of the BATTLE program, mammogram rates in Winston County have gone from 34 percent in 1999 to 68 percent in 2002, the highest rate in Mississippi. Information and Quality Healthcare, a peer review group based in Jackson, has used Winston County as a model for what can be accomplished when groups work together to increase the awareness of breast cancer.

To discuss this impact and other issues, James S. McIlwain, Jr., President of the Information and Quality Healthcare will be the featured speaker for this year's event. Also, attorney Linda Hampton will provide a short survivor commentary.

BATTLE stands for Breast Cancer Awareness To Teach Ladies Early detection since early detection is a great tool in the fight against breast cancer. The group uses the luncheon as a reminder to families and individuals to seek early detection.

"Breast Cancer Awareness is an issue that not only affects women but men as well. We all are at-risk for breast cancer, even if your family does not have a history of breast cancer. The BATTLE luncheon is designed to help individuals and families learn more about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Because breast cancer has no perspective age, gender, or race, this luncheon is for everyone who wants to prolong his or her life," said Sharon Haynes, area agent for nutrition and food safety for the MSU Extension Service.

Early detection means applying a strategy that results in an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer that may have gone unnoticed for years. Breast cancers that are detected because they are causing symptoms tend to be relatively larger and more likely to have spread beyond the breast. In contrast, breast cancers found during screening examinations are more likely to be small and still confined to the breast.

The luncheon, initiated by Crawford and Glenda Gregory has brought the idea of early detection to the forefront as seen in the increased mammography numbers.

"When this program began in 1995, our hope was to heighten awareness of breast cancer in the county. As we look at how many people are having mammograms, we know the tremendous success of the program," said Gregory.

And with the idea of passing along this success, the Winston County BATTLE group plans to offer a Mock Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon November 2 for representatives across the state to see and understand and possibly emulate Winston County's success. They see this a further testament to the Winston County BATTLE Luncheon success.

As part of the luncheon the yearly fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors will also be held. This year's models include: Leah Boydstun, Janice Chambliss, Susan Clark, Kay Roberts Frensley, Rosie Fulwiley, Ellen Glenn, Nancy Hanna, Geraldine Hayes, Betty Haynes, Claudine Hindman, Gloria Joiner, Betty Land, Gloria Moore, Christine Walker and Ann Ward. The ladies will be modeling outfits provided by Cato, Fashion Boutique, Perry's Factory Connection, and Something Special.

The luncheon will kick off recognition of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Anyone interested in attending or survivors interested in participating in the fashion show should contact Crawford at 773-3696, Gregory at 773-2882, or the MSU extension office 773-5531.