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A recent study suggests that teachers may be facing an unexpected occupational hazard: breast cancer.
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Join Team WEAC
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Research conducted by the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California found that California's female schoolteachers have a higher incidence of breast cancer than other women. Researchers do not know exactly why, but earlier studies have shown that women with more education have an increased risk, possibly because they delay pregnancy and have fewer children.
WEAC is joining the fight against the disease – which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women – by encouraging members to join Team WEAC, a special group for WEAC members who participate in the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Race for the Cure on June 4 in Madison.
"Approximately three-quarters of WEAC's members are women, so a significant number of our members' lives have been or will be affected by this terrible disease," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. "Breast cancer has a dramatic impact on women and their families, and WEAC is proud to be involved in the effort to search for a cure."
Race for the Cure includes a five-kilometer run/walk, or a one-mile walk. Proceeds from the event will be used for breast cancer research, screening, treatment and education. Madison has hosted the race since 1998, and the annual event has raised $1 million, most of which stays in the state.
Members who join Team WEAC will receive official team apparel to wear on race day. Other members can contribute to the cause by volunteering at the event, or by making a donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
To join Team WEAC, visit the Madison Race for the Cure Web site and sign up. Then, lace up your sneakers and get ready to race.
Questions? Please contact Jesslyn Kuekan at kuekanj@weac.org.
Updated May 17, 2005