First Lady Laura Bush's Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research Extends...( HOUSTON Nov. 21 -- The University o...),Health

HOUSTON, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to eradicate breast cancer in Panama through the Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research of the Americas today at an event with Laura Bush, the First Lady of the United States, and Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos, the First Lady of Panama.

Joining M. D. Anderson in the initiative are the U.S. Department of State and Susan G. Komen for the Cure(r) who are working closely with the First Lady of Panama to finalize the partnership, which currently brings together leading medical experts and breast cancer awareness advocates in the United States, Mexico, Brazil and Costa Rica.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Panama. According to the Panamanian Ministry of Health, more than 25 percent of Panama's population of 3.3 million is comprised of women over 40 years old and is at a greater risk of developing the disease since risk increases with age.

First announced by Mrs. Laura Bush in July 2007, the Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research of the Americas is designed to increase early breast cancer detection and reduce related deaths in the region through improved awareness, clinical resources and world-class research. The Partnership is facilitated by the U.S. Department of State and is initiated and implemented locally by participating countries. M. D. Anderson serves as the Partnership's lead medical adviser.

In Panama, the Partnership will offer the opportunity to advance new and existing initiatives focused on reducing the burden of breast cancer. Collaborative efforts in the areas of research, capacity-building and women's empowerment will be promoted.

Representatives from M. D. Anderson, Susan G. Komen For the Cure(r) and the U.S. State Depar
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