URL: NJ.com

Breast cancer survivor rides to spread disease awareness

By Carly Romalino

October 05, 2009, 3:52PM

Breast cancer has affected families across the country, and Gloucester County is no exception.

Although the disease never discriminates and is one of the leading causes of death in women, the founder of Divas for the Cure said minority groups are still less educated about their risks, treatments and the importance of early detection of breast lumps.

“I think a lot of minorities think this is a white, female disease only, which is far from the truth,” said Jan Emanuel-Costley of Browns Mills, who started Divas for a Cure after surviving breast and other types of cancers.

According to Costley, more white women are diagnosed with breast cancer, but more minorities will die from the disease.

“The white community has more access to health care, higher income, and are better educated,” she said. “All of those factors contribute to people being proactive. I think, if you know better, you do better.”

Costley said for some families under financial strain, paying for health care costs often comes in last, well after utilities, rent and mortgages bills are paid.

“My first bout with cancer was at age 16,” Costley said. “If I hadn’t had the proper follow-up and treatment, I wouldn’t be 48.”

To raise awareness of breast cancer, early detection and treatment options, Costley will lead a motorcade on Oct. 10, from Barb’s Harley-Davidson in Haddon Township to the Philadelphia Motorcycle show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.

“When we ride our motorcycles, people pay particular attention to a woman riding a bike,” said Costley, who has more than 100,000 miles of motorcycle riding under her belt. “Once I get your attention, I’ll talk to you. And once I talk to you, I leave you with a breast cancer brochure.”

Costley hopes several hundred riders will join the 40-mile trek to raise breast cancer awareness.

“We have to dispel those myths and educate women and say, ‘just like getting a cavity checked. A lot of people wait until they get a cavity to see the dentist,’” said Costley, adding that 95 percent of breast cancer cases are completely curable if detected at early stages. “A cavity is fillable. With breast cancer, you lose your life.”

The Philadelphia Motorcycle Show will host the “Revved Up for the Cause” motorcycle run on Oct. 10. The run will leave Barb’s Harley-Davidson & Buell at 926 Black Horse Pike in Haddon Township at noon and ride to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks in Oaks, Pa.

The run will benefit Divas for a Cure.

For more information visit the Web sites for the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center or Divas for a Cure.

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South Jersey Healthcare will be hosting two free dinner seminars on breast health in October.

Seminars are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 at SJH Regional Medical Center Education Department, Classrooms 1, 2 and 3, 1505 W. Sherman Ave., Vineland, and Oct. 22 at SJH Elmer Hospital, Community Room, 501 W. Front St., Elmer. Dinner is included.

Medical experts will present information about breast cancer risk and prevention, screening and follow-up of abnormalities, and promotion of healthy lifestyle and wellness. Register by calling (800) 770-7547.