Breast cancer mortality rates dropping in Lincoln County

Ed Ditzdy with the Public Health Department has shared some rates for the incidence of breast cancer in Lincoln County. Given the county's history of high rates in the 1990's, the latest figures are encouraging and support the efforts that have been put into breast cancer outreach and screenings in the 199's and early 200's. Reductions in mortality are due to the joint efforts of the local hospitals, physicians, and public health professionals in getting the word out about the importance of mammography and early detection.

From 2006- 2008, only 16% of women surveyed reported that it had been more than two years since their last mammogram. The state rate is 20% and some rural communities were as high as 33% not being screened in over two years.

From 2003 to 2007- 83% of breast cancer in Lincoln County was diagnosed in early stages and 17% was diagnosed in late stages.

"I think these are really good numbers compared to where we started in the early 1990's when we began to focus on this issue and exceeded state rates in every category., Said Dzedzy. "Great work by all of us and our partners to make this difference."