A program to encourage early detection and treatment of breast cancer by giving information and emotional support.

There is a great need for an organized program to give all women information, referrals and emotional support for breast diseases before detection, diagnosis and treatment. This provides an excellent opportunity for public and private agencies concerned with cancer-control to fill the wide gap. At this time, there are no organized programs between those that teach women how to do BSE and--much later--to help them "cope with cancer." With the 2-stage procedure becoming more common and available to women, the time should be used for education before primary treatment. Breast cancer is more than a disease; it is a "process" having many phases. BSE and worrying about finding a symptom is the first and may last a lifetime. Primary treatment is second; the need for support continues throughout. The purpose of this presentation is to urge health professionals to recognize the great need and fill the wide gap.