Charleston, SC, (April 9, 2007) – The Kecia E. Miller Foundation and the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center will host spring garden parties to raise awareness about breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Awareness Garden Party luncheons are also sponsored by Nissan of North America. The first luncheon will be at 12 noon, Saturday, April 14 at 6108 Martin Street, Ravenel.

Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among African American women who actually have a lower incidence rate of cancer. However, among black women, the mortality rates are higher. In younger (under age 40) African American women, the breast cancer rate is higher. Early detection and treatment are keys to survival.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Garden Party Luncheons were conceived in honor of Kecia E. Miller, the daughter of Doris and Isaiah W. Miller of Ravenel. Kecia was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 34. Before losing her fight with breast cancer, she talked openly about her breast cancer and most importantly about the importance of awareness and early detection. Kecia encouraged her mother to share her story and to continue to raise awareness about the disease.

The garden parties are opportunities for breast cancer survivors to share their experiences and for others to learn from them. On Saturday, April 14, guests will hear the poignant story of a mother who says God used her and her breast cancer to save the life of her daughter.

No one knows what causes breast cancer but the risk factors are known. Simply being a woman is one. That risk factor increases as women age. A family history of close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer also increases the risk of developing the disease. However, it is important to note that women with no family history of the disease can develop breast cancer. Lyn Hammond, MS, CGC with the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center will speak at the luncheon about

genetic counseling and how women can use it to determine their risk factors and decide on a course of action that’s right for them.

Diet and exercise are important for overall good health and also plays a role in reducing breast cancer risks. Jeannette Jordan will share nutrition tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and lowering the risk of breast cancer.

Two more Garden Party Breast Cancer luncheons are planned for this spring: April 28 at 200 South Palmetto Street, Summerville and May26 at 15 Heathwood Drive, Charleston.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among South Carolinians.  The Hollings Cancer Center is the state’s leader in cancer research, care and prevention. Nearly 2,000 patients were diagnosed with cancer at the HCC last year and other cancer services contributed to more than 80,000 cancer-related visits.  Dr. Kraft says at the Hollings Cancer Center hope “is the expectation – the absolute belief - that we will find better ways to diagnose, treat, prevent and even cure the disease. By committing ourselves to pursuing those discoveries, we’re making hope a reality in the fight against cancer”.