Participants thanked all cancer researchers for their important work and urged Pennsylvania taxpayers to consider donating all or a portion of their state income-tax refund or making a direct contribution to the Department of Health. In spite of the funding dedicated to cancer research through the National Cancer Institute, only 30 percent of approved projects receive funding. There is a definite need to raise money from donors, said Dr. Mortel. With the Make Your Mark program, Pennsylvania serves as a leader in increasing the number of projects being funded. Approximately 12,000 Pennsylvanians are diagnosed each year with breast and cervical cancer.
Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among Pennsylvanian women.
In 1997, there were 2,457 breast-cancer deaths, and an estimated 2,375 such deaths in 1999. There were 241 cervical-cancer deaths in 1997, and an estimated 220 in 1999. The Ridge Administration supports several other programs to assist women in their fight against breast and cervical cancer. In 1997, Gov. Ridge signed a law guaranteeing insurance coverage for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction up to six years after surgery. Mrs. Ridge serves as honorary chairperson for the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.