October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Let us make sure we keep what our mammas gave us!!!!

CARE ABOUT YOUR BREASTS’ HEALTH

In many countries around the world, October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the leading cancer in Ghana at 15% according to sources from Korle Bu Teaching hospital (KBTH). In a study at this hospital in 2007, Dr Clegg Lamptey found that 57% of those who presented with breast cancer had advance cancers with average tumor size about 6x7 centimeters. Another interesting finding by his and two other studies- (Mammocare and Komfo Anokye teaching hospital) is that compared to a country like USA, the age of developing breast cancer was younger in Ghanaians- average age is between 40-49years compared to 60 years in the USA. In a joint Kumasi/USA study, the type of breast cancer found in Ghanaian women were similar to those found in African American women, however, the Ghanaian women had cancers which tended to be locally advanced. All this information shows that Ghanaian women need to take personal measures so that there is early detection and treatment of this terrible cancer. Information or knowledge is POWER, and so it is important to be informed. All women need to know that early detection is the BEST PROTECTION.

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER? (BC)
Cancer is a disease which is causes by normal cells becoming abnormal and growing out of control. It can occur in every organ of your body and if it occurs in the breast it is called Breast cancer. Cells growing fast form a mass called a tumor. Not all tumors are cancers. Some are benign or not cancerous. The cancerous ones are also known as malignant because they can spread to other parts of the body.

SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER
Early stages of breast cancer may not show any symptoms or signs. As it grows symptoms may include
A new lump or mass in the breast. (That is why it is important to know what your breasts feel like!!)
Changes in the skin, size or shape of the breast
Discharge from the nipple not associated with breast feeding
Flaky, red, or swollen skin on the breast
A nipple that starts discharging blood, or is very tender or turns inwards (some people have inward turned nipples all their lives)
Unexplained pain in breast or nipple that does not go away. (Pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer unless it has spread)


WHO GETS BREAST CANCER?
All women are at risk but more so those above the age of 40years. There are also certain factors which affects your risk of developing breast cancer. Some of these one cannot do anything to change, but there are others that one can influence.

WHAT RAISES A WOMAN’S CHANCE OF GETTING BC? (Risk Factors)
Although these have been discovered, some women with some of these risk factors do not develop breast cancer, and some women who get breast cancer have no apparent risk factors. There seems to be a combination of inherited factors (genetics) and environmental factors that lead to this and many other diseases. Some of these factors include
Being a woman
Getting older (Over 50years)
Have had previous breast cancer
Have never had children or had your first child after age 30 years
Started your period or menses before age 12years or reached menopause after age 50 years
Having close family relatives- mother, sister, daughter who have had breast cancer or ovarian cancer
Have been treated with radiation therapy to the breast or chest in the past
Have used hormone replacement treatment for more than 5years (Used to treat menopause symptoms)
You are overweight
You drink alcohol daily
Being physically inactive
Have a genetic condition involving mutation of genes known as BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
Some of the above conditions you cannot personally change but others you can influence by life style changes. For example to prevent breast cancer you can
Stay healthy by maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly and staying physically active
Avoid the use of Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT). Find other ways of treating menopausal symptoms
Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink
PRACTICE EARLY DETECTION by taking CONTROL of your breast health. When breast cancer is picked up early, the 5 year survival rate is more than 98%.The American Cancer Society- a trusted organization has recommended the following screening methods

At Age 20 years:
You can choose to do breast self-examination (BSE). It is good to find out how this is done by talking to your health provider, it is usually done in the shower, lying down or standing in front of a mirror. If you are taught, then you can be comfortable doing this by yourself.

Between 20-39 years
Have a health professional do a clinical breast exam (CBE) on you every 3 years or even sooner. This is a breast exam done on you by a trained health provider.

Age 40 years and above:
Have yearly clinical breast exams and mammograms. If you cannot afford a yearly mammogram you can stretch it to every 2 years. It takes about two years for a tumor/mass to grow big enough to cause symptoms for women in their 40s, but for women in their 70s it may take four years.
Even then, 10% of all breast cancers may not be detected by a mammogram. If a mammogram is abnormal, or your breast is dense, a doctor may recommend ultrasound or MRI of the breasts.

WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAM?
A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of your breasts that is able to detect small changes or lumps which are too small or too deep to be felt by you. They are safe, quick and may just be mildly uncomfortable due to the fact that your breasts will be squeezed between two plates of the machine. The squeeze is important to flatten the breast tissue and give a good reading.

TIPS FOR A BETTER MAMMOGRAM
When you go for the mammogram make sure you wipe off any powder, cream or deodorant from under your arms and your breasts as these may interfere with the mammogram
Drink sufficient water to keep you well hydrated before the exam
If your breast gets tender during your monthly period/menses, then the best time to have a mammogram done may be one week after your period ends.
Let your doctor know of any symptoms or problems you have before the exam
If your last mammogram was done at a different place or you have a copy of your previous mammograms, then take them with you so that the new one could be compared to the previous ones

REMEMBER, MAMMOGRAMS LEAD TO EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER, AND EARLY DETECTION LEADS TO EARLY TREATMENT WHICH LEADS TO HIGHER SURVIVAL RATES FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS.
A few women have told me that they do not want to get a mammogram because they would rather not know they have breast cancer. I think that is acting like the proverbial ostrich who sticks its head in the sand but the rest of the body is exposed. When breast cancer is discovered late, it may have spread to other parts of the body and the cancer cells strangle the other cells in other organs or parts of the body, causing a lot of pain for the victims. It is not a pleasant situation to be in. It is a painful death. To avoid all this and have your piece of mind, get a mammogram done. There are several health facilities and free standing radiological imaging centers available in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast and other regional capitals.
GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM DONE AND YOU MAY SAVE YOUR BREASTS



Dr. Barbara Entsuah (Nee Amoo-Lamptey)
Family Medicine Specialist
Florida.

Free breast cancer screening in Lagos

The exercise aims to encourage regular clinical breast exams, self checks and promote knowledge and awareness of the disease

Article | October 25, 2011 - 2:30am | By Nkechi Opurum

 

As part of its activities to create awareness during the month of October, which is breast cancer awareness month worldwide, Stand up to Cancer Naija (SU2CN), a non-profit advocacy group, will conduct free clinical breast exams for women of all ages in Lagos.
SU2CN is a movement reaching out to a world affected either directly or indirectly by breast cancer. The organisation preaches early detection and awareness as means of fighting the disease.
SU2CN is made up of young professionals in Nigeria. The executives include: Constant Asabia, a senior special adviser to the Ondo State Governor; Synthia Japhet, the secretary to the country director of FAO at the UN; and Caleb Egweonu, a cancer advocate and the brain behind the initiative, whose aunt died from Breast Cancer.
Previous SU2CN events were the bowling for boobs, an event which took place in Abuja. The event was supported by Nollywood professionals such as Ini Edo, and Uche Jombo, and Uti Nwachukwu of the Big Brother Africa fame, who joined hands to raise funds for breast cancer patients.
Statistics from the free breast cancer screening held in Abuja earlier in August, 2011, showed that about 20 percent of females in attendance had breast lumps.
The screening in Lagos is set to take place on October 29, 2011 at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos from 11am to 6pm.
SU2CN ambassadors such as singer/song writer EVAEZI; Nma Isiwu (Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Tourism 2011), Stella Damasus, Oge Okoye, Nikki Laoye, Weird MC, Ufuoma Ejenobor and others will be participating in the event.
Members of the public are also urged to donate to combat breast cancer and provide regular screening centres around the country. Emails can be sent to standup2cancernaija@gmail.com for further enquiries.

Breast cancer awareness: ANGELS to the rescue

CANTON — Real angels don’t wear halos. At least, not yet.

Real angels wear purple. They smile brilliantly and their love shines even brighter.
Real angels work to make their community a better place. They give time and effort to be sure that every woman has the support system she needs to find resources and courage to face her fears about breast cancer.

Real angels hold your hand, cry with you, hug you and laugh with you.

Mercy Medical Center has those kinds of angels — honest-to-goodness, real-life ANGELs.

Mercy’s ANGEL (African American women Nurturing and Giving Each other Life) Network, a group of black women committed to raising breast cancer awareness, is 75 volunteers strong and counting. Together, the women involved are changing the lives across the county by encouraging early detection through annual mammograms and monthly self examinations.

Diane Wofsey, nurse coordinator for the Mercy Breast Care Center, has seen how dramatically the ANGELs have impacted the county in the seven years since the network began.

“It used to be that I could count on one hand the number of African American women who came in for breast exams each month,” Wofsey said. “Now, I get more than 10 each week. That says a lot about these ladies here. That shows how much they care for each other and their community.”

SHARE, INSPIRE

The ANGEL Network mission is simple: Spread the word.
Volunteers with the ANGEL Network work through their churches, clubs, neighborhoods, community organizations, local breast cancer awareness events and health fairs to spread the word about the importance of early detection. That’s a critical message, especially for black women.

According to Wofsey, the breast cancer mortality rate for black women is higher than that of white women even though black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Black women, also, are more likely than white women to get breast cancer at younger ages.

Those reasons make annual mammograms and monthly self exams critical.
Nearly all of the women volunteering through ANGEL Network are not breast cancer survivors. Many of them have close friends and relatives who have battled cancer, but most of them volunteer because they want to help someone else.

They volunteer because they care.“You know what it is?” ANGEL Ravene Allison said of what drives the volunteers. “It’s love. If everybody would just love everybody, we wouldn’t have any problems.”

It’s true, ANGEL Jonnie Smith Jackson said.

“We just want to reach out,” Smith Jackson said. “We just want to help someone. If we can help one person, it’s worth it.”

ANGELS, SISTERS

Mercy’s ANGEL Network is as big as it is today because of three women.

Nearly a decade ago, Wofsey attended a conference in Washington D.C. and heard about the only chapter of the ANGEL Network, a program that was started in Colorado.

Inspired by what she heard, Wofsey returned home and began to work on securing the resources to implement the program through Mercy Medical Center.

Finally, after two years, she was ready to get things started and she, along with only two ANGELs, began the arduous task of raising breast cancer awareness and creating the support network.

Seven years and 73 ANGELs later, Mercy’s program is going strong and getting stronger. It’s exceeded Wofsey’s greatest expectations and it’s been able to do that because it’s about more than volunteering.

It’s about sisterhood.

“We white women, we have no idea what ‘sisterhood’ is,” Wofsey said with a grin. “I’ve walked through the airport with some of these ladies and they are hugging everyone. I think, ‘you can’t possibly know all of these people.’”

ANGEL Joanne McPherson wrapped an arm around Wofsey’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze.

“She’s a sista in training,” McPherson said with a laugh.

In all honesty, McPherson said, the women who volunteer through the ANGEL Network are able to do what they do because of Wofsey. The ANGELs may be driven by a passion for their community and love for their neighbors, but they are inspired by Wofsey’s own passion for the program.

“She really inspires us,” McPherson said. “She got us going and she keeps us going.”

Smith Jackson believes in the power of the ANGEL Network. The enthusiasm and passion of all the ladies who volunteer is contagious. You can’t help but find inspiration and friendship in this group.

They are, after all, just trying to make the world a better place.

“We’re just trying to earn our wings,” Smith Jackson said with a laugh.

For more information about Mercy’s ANGEL Network and its volunteer opportunities call Diane Wofsey at 330-580-4727.

By Erin Pustay

IndeOnline.com staff writer

Posted Oct 20, 2011 @ 07:00 AM

Keith Urban Donates Custom Guitar for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By: Billy Dukes  of "Taste of Country Blog"
Keith Urban will donate a customized Fender guitar to the Susan G. Komen for The Cure for auction in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The black guitar with pink ribbon adorning the body will be available to bidders at the end of the month, after Urban has played it at each of this month’s shows.
According to a press release on his website, Urban specially requested the guitar from Fender as a way to acknowledge October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The ‘Long Hot Summer’ singer is just one of the country stars actively supporting this month’s cause. Last Friday, Jason Aldean raised $315,000 during a sold out show in Roanoke, Va. Martina McBride will flip a switch to turn the Empire State Building in New York City pink on Oct. 14, and will play Grand Ole Opry pink on Oct. 22 during a concert to honor breast cancer survivors.

Hustle for Hope raises breast cancer awareness

by Lowell Vickers The Fish Wrap

Oct 09, 2011

The annual Hustle for Hope charity 5K walk brought more than 250 runners and walkers to the streets of Cedartown to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness programs.

Jordan Hubbard, 23, of Cedartown, was the first-place finisher among all male participants, winning the 5K with a time of 19 minutes, 50 seconds. He also was overall winner.

Liz Clark, 23, of Rockmart, was the first-place female runner with a time of 23 minutes, 5 seconds.

The event drew participants of all ages, who paid $25 (early registration) or $30 (late registrants) to take part.

Last year's event raised more than $10,000 after all T-shirt sales, race entry fees and related fund-raising efforts were tallied.

One of the organizers, Heather Ball, said last year's inauguaral event had 188 participants for the 5K. There were 245 runners confirmed Friday and several more late registrants Saturday before the race, so the event was well on track to surpass last year's fund-raising total, Ball said.

At 8:30 a.m., a ribbon was cut to open the race north up Main Street. Runners turned left in front of the courthouse to College Street, then headed north to Lakeside Drive through slower, quieter residential streets.

Runners came back out on North Main Street at the location of the former Enmark gas station (now closed. Runners then continued south back to the downtown area.

Cedartown Police blocked off streets as necessary and helped direct traffic during the race. Cedartown High School students in the Future Business Leaders of America club helped direct runners by standing at street corners with directional signs.

Most streets reopened to traffic after the race, but part of the downtown area remained blocked off until around 11 a.m.



Read more: The Fish Wrap - Hustle for Hope raises breast cancer awareness

Programs, science aid early detection of breast cancer

Written by

Anna Sudar

Advocate ReporterNEWARK -- The American Cancer Society estimates about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer sometime during their lifetime.

But this startling fact is accompanied by another, more hopeful statistic: There are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
The breast cancer mortality rate has been declining in recent years, said Dr. Joseph Fondriest, chairman of the department of radiology at Licking County Memorial Hospital. One of the main reasons for the change has been increased awareness of the disease.
Awareness leads more women to do self-examinations and get annual mammograms, which help doctors catch the disease in the beginning stages.
"Successful treatment depends on early detection," Fondriest said.
Fondriest spoke Tuesday at a meeting of the Newark Rotary Club about some of the newest technologies in detecting and treating the disease, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
"(At LMHS), we stay at the forefront with the technology for diagnosing breast cancer," he said.
One major change has been the shift from film mammography to digital mammography, Fondriest said.
Digital mammograms have a much higher resolution and show much clearer images of breast tissue, he said. Studies show digital mammograms have a higher cancer detection rate.
"(LMHS) has been completely digital for four years," Fondriest said.
Digital mammograms also allow physicians to do computer-aided detection, which uses computer software to read mammograms and highlight problem areas.
"European studies looking at computer-aided detection equate it to having a second radiologist review each mammogram," Fondriest said.
If an abnormality is found in the breast tissue, doctors must determine if it is cancerous.
"The majority of things found are not breast cancer; about 60 to 90 percent of lesions are benign," he said. "It's important to be able to biopsy lesions in minimally invasive way."
In the past, biopsies required surgery, but now physicians can use a three-stage needle to get a tissue sample or remove the lesion, Fondriest said.
"There is no scar, a minimal risk of infection, it takes virtually minutes to perform and the patient can resume regular activities," he said.
If the lesion is determined to be cancer, it is important for doctors to see if the cancer has spread beyond the breast.
By performing a sentinel node biopsy, doctors can test one of the primary lymph nodes and determine if the disease has spread without having to test each lymph node, he said.
"Although we can't prevent cancer, we're making advances to help detect and diagnose breast cancer earlier and also minimize patient discomfort," he said.
Fondriest said he tells women to have their first mammogram at 35 and start having them annually at age 40.
This is also recommended by the American Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic, he added.
"It has been discussed it can be delayed until after they hit 50, but that goes against what a lot of medical professionals say," he said.
He encouraged men and women to spread the word that early detection saves lives.
"Everyone has to be aware that breast cancer is out there and to see their physicians and openly discuss the risk," he said.

Fiji joins world to launch breast cancer awareness month

It is Pinktober again and Fiji like the rest of the world will be raising awareness of breast cancer too, Fiji Cancer Society Chairperson and breast cancer awareness month President Nirmala Nambiar has said.
"Join the fight against breast cancer through early detection and awareness." This is the message the Fiji Cancer Society is sending out this October, which is breast cancer awareness month, worldwide.
Fiji Cancer Society Chairperson and breast cancer awareness month President Nirmala Nambiar said, "Fiji continues to have a high incidence of breast cancer deaths with large number of tumors presented to health professionals at a late stage due to the stigma of having the disease."
In the first quarter of 2011, there were 46 new breast cancer cases recorded, whilst there were 33 new cases in the same period last year.
"The figures could be scary but one must understand that as the awareness increases in our communities the number of cases recorded increases," she warned.
Men and women should be aware that age, obesity and family history are all factors that contribute to the risk of developing the disease.
This October the Fiji Cancer Society has planned a number of events all targeted to raise awareness since the lack of information and education is dangerous.
Nambiar said through partnership with the Ministry of Health, Oxfam Clinic in Suva and the Fiji Nurses Association, supported by the sponsorship of Colgate Palmolive, the focus this year is on reaching out to the rural community and making a difference to the lives of the poor and unprivileged.
"We have free checkups planned for the month at the major villages from Vunidawa, Korovou and Valelevu to Lami at the other end and hope that we will be able to support the women in this area who may not be able to have a check- up otherwise.
According to the official, the society's western branch continues to arrange free check- ups with the support of the Patan Clinic.
The awareness and free checkups have also been arranged for corporate organizations at their request and if we are not able to provide all this during October we will continue to schedule them for the following month.
The Society's thanks go to Suva Private Hospital for offering half price mammograms for the month of October, Nambiar said, adding a common issue with Fiji women, according to doctors at the hospital, was the return rate.
"Once they hear the news that they have cancer, many women don' t return because of the fear of what's next. Hence the Society is working with the hospitals and helping counsel patients to get them back for treatment rather than fight the losing battle, since 70 percent of cancer cases can be saved through early detection and treatment," she said.
The Fiji Cancer Society strongly believes that the success of the awareness program this month will set the platform for the society's ongoing initiative to drive and raise the community's understanding, get them involved and make them take care of each other.

Editor: Deng Shasha

Style On The Runway to Help Spread Breast Cancer Awareness Through Fashion

Raising funds to help those in our area who are battling or have battled breast cancer.

• ByTalisha Dunn-Square

It is fashionable to contribute to a cause that will help others. That is what will happen at the first annual benefit hair and fashion show called Style on the Runway.
The event, will take place on Sunday (Oct. 2) from 1 to 5 p.m. at Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West St., Annapolis.
The mission of the event is to raise funds to benefit those in the Greater Annapolis area who are battling or have battled breast cancer.
Style on the Runway will include models who are breast cancer survivors showcasing unique fashions by local Annapolis boutiques.
David Alexander Salon and Spa of Annapolis will provide hair styling and make-up.
In addition to the fashion show, there will also be a live auction, door prizes, vendors, music and entertainment and more.
About the Hosts
Stepping Out for Breast Cancer is dedicated to improving the quality of life for breast cancer survivors through the provision of equipment or services that aid in the mental and physical recovery from cancer.
It is a not-for-profit, all volunteer organization founded in 1993 by a group of Annapolis women to raise funds to support breast cancer survivors in the community served by the Anne Arundel Medical and Baltimore Washington Medical Centers.
Stepping Out for Breast Cancer works to improve the lives of women diagnosed with breast cancer regardless of age, social or economic status.
David Alexander Salon and Spa has served Greater Annapolis for more than 15 years. It has grown to become one of the largest area salons with nearly 20 stylists and a relaxing 3,000 square-foot day spa.
David Alexander Salon and Spa has a long tradition of supporting local charities and organizations. In the past 5 years, it has hosted a Day of Beauty with the Bay Area Community Church for battered women as well as donated services for hundreds of local charitable fund raising events.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.styleontherunway.com

Events planned for breast cancer awareness month

By SALEHA RIAZ
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s a list of events in South Florida commemorating the month.
The Miami-Dade County Health Department in conjunction with Ambulatory Diagnostic Center will offer free screening mammograms, 8 a.m.-12p.m., Oct 1, 747 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 100, Miami
The Miami-Dade County Health Department will host a kick-off event for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 10-11 a.m., Oct 3, 10, 8600 NW 17th St., Suite 200, Miami.
Think Pink Teen Craft Program with artist Susan Buzzi, 4-5.30 p.m., Oct 4, Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
The Strut your Stuff for Cancer event will have wellness presentations, live entertainment and a cocktail hour, 6-9 p.m., Oct 6, The Falls, 8888 SW 136th St., Miami.
VIPink Miami, cocktails and music, 7-10 p.m., Oct 6, South Beach House 4385, Collins Ave, 8th Fl, Miami Beach.
A motorcycle ride will start from Palm Beach to the Wylder’s Waterfront Grille in Jupiter, followed by an after-party, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Oct. 8, 2955 45th St., West Palm Beach. Proceeds will got to Think Pink Rocks (breast cancer research).
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk/Put on Your Pink Bra, a noncompetitive walk by the American Cancer Society, 7.30 a.m., Oct 9, Huizenga Plaza, Andrews Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale.
Healthy Living Discussion to discuss breast cancer prevention, treatment and scientific breakthroughs, 2 p.m., Oct. 11, Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave.
Cups, a comedy that traces milestones in a woman’s life through the bras she has worn, 8 p.m. weeknights, Sat.; 2 p.m Oct. 12-27, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St.
Glam Doll Strut, stiletto walkathon will raise money for local breast cancer patients and their families, noon-3 p.m., Oct. 15 at Himmarshee Historic District, Second Street in Fort Lauderdale.
The 16th annual Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale Race for the Cure, including a 5K walk and run, one-mile fun walk and tot run, 6 am, Oct 15, Bayfront Park, downtown Miami.
Stay in the Pink Breast Cancer Event, in conjunction with Pink Power Network. Includes meet-greet with surgeons and radiologists, pink hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, pink manis and pedis. Mammograms available for $99, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Oct. 20, University Hospital & Medical Center, 7201 N. University Dr., Tamarac.
Shopping soiree/silent auction, including mini-makeovers, manicures, mocktails and perfume samplings, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Oct 22, Westfield Broward Mall, 8000 W. Broward Blvd.
Florida Breast Cancer Foundation’s 6th annual Shades of Pink Masquerade Ball, 7 p.m. -11 p.m., Oct 25, Trump International Beach Resort, Sunny Isles Beach.
Wear Pink to Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami all month long. New partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure inaugural event. Pink Day events in October include 15 percent off annual pass for visitors who wear pink.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/09/30/2432966/list-of-local-events-for-breast.html#ixzz1ZXXxT7Xt

Yoplait(R) Original Launches "Yoplait Loves New York Women" Campaign with Quintessential Style Icon and Fashion Designer Betsey Johnson

Yoplait Aims to Give Away 50,000 Free Cups of Yogurt to Salute to the Style and Substance of New York Women

MINNEAPOLIS, Sep 29, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Yoplait loves New York women, and today announces a new campaign aimed at celebrating the inherent style and substance of New York. Throughout the campaign this fall, Yoplait(R) Original yogurt will be woven into the unique culture of New York by partnering with fashion designer and icon, Betsey Johnson. Through its involvement in Betsey Johnson's breast cancer awareness kickoff event on October 1 and the launch of sampling efforts throughout the city, Yoplait will celebrate and reward New York women by giving out an estimated 50,000 free cups of Yoplait Original yogurt, and reveal that with 25 fabulous flavors and 50 percent Daily Value of calcium and vitamin D in every cup, Yoplait Original is truly where style meets substance.

"I am so excited to team up with Yoplait to celebrate the undeniable style of New York women," said Johnson. "They are my girlfriends that inspire my work each day, so I'm thrilled to be a part of a campaign that acknowledges and rewards the extraordinary ladies of NYC."

Yoplait Original recently took part in the Fashion's Night Out celebration at Betsey Johnson's SoHo boutique. Next up, Yoplait will be back to kick-off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Betsey Johnson at her in-store event on October 1st. Commitment to women's health and the breast cancer cause is an integral part of Yoplait's DNA: during the past 13 years, Yoplait has donated more than $30 million to the breast cancer cause through Save Lids to Save Lives(R) and related donation initiatives. This year Yoplait will donate ten cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R) for each pink lid redeemed online at Yoplait.com and via mail by December 31, 2011, up to $2 million.

Yoplait Original has also recruited New York fashion students to serve as Yoplait New York "Style and Substance Samplers." On the morning of October 4, these young women will seek out New Yorkers who they feel embody style and substance and reward them with a cup of Yoplait Original yogurt. Yoplait Samplers can also be found from 7am-10am, and 4pm-7pm in the following locations:

-- October 4: Broadway at Fulton St., W. Houston St., W. Broadway at Broome St.

-- October 5: Columbus Circle, Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

-- October 11: Grand Central Terminal, Union Square East at 4th Ave., Greeley Square

-- October 12: Lexington Ave/59 St., Lexington Ave/53 St., Penn Station

"At Yoplait, we realize that a New York woman is a special kind of woman. She embodies strength and style in all that she does," said Seth Pederson, integrated marketing communications manager at General Mills. "With this campaign we salute New York women and hope to make their lives just a bit easier with a cup of Yoplait Original, an easy and delicious way to get the 50 percent of the calcium and vitamin D they need each day."

About Yoplait OSY

All of Yoplait Original's 25 flavors have the same great taste expected from Yoplait, now with more calcium and vitamin D. Yoplait Original now has 50% Daily Value of both calcium and vitamin D in every cup. Calcium is the key component of both bones and teeth, helping to form and maintain their strong structure and Vitamin D is a nutrient that the body needs to absorb calcium. For more information on Yoplait Original, visit www.facebook.com/yoplait and www.yoplait.com . Also join Yoplait on Foursquare by visiting https://foursquare.com/yoplaityogurt .

About General Mills

One of the world's leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Yoplait, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2010 global net sales of US$16 billion, including the company's $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales.

About Betsey Johnson

New York designer Betsey Johnson started her label in 1978. Her commitment to remain true to her one-of-a-kind vision has afforded continued success in the clothing fashion industry for 30 years. Starting in 2004, the Betsey Johnson label expanded as a lifestyle brand with the introduction of intimates, handbags and leather goods, footwear, watches, jewelry, eyewear, swimwear, legwear, outerwear and a fragrance. Today there are over sixty-five Betsey Johnson stores worldwide as well as an established wholesale business in international markets. For store locations or product information, please visit www.betseyjohnson.com .

SOURCE: General Mills