WASHINGTON National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) dispels commonly believed myths and reveals relatively unknown truths about breast cancer throughout October.

NBCC has launched the 31 Myths & Truths in 31 Days campaign to challenge women and men to get educated, speak up and to take action to end breast cancer.

As an organization, NBCC has a long history of challenging the status quo in the science and public policy of breast cancer. Throughout October, NBCC will hold true to that image and confront beliefs about breast cancer risk, prevention, treatment and cure. Each day NBCC will reveal a myth or truth about breast cancer, each backed by science, documented by credible and trusted sources and chosen because it is often misunderstood by or misrepresented to the general public. The campaign led off on October 1st with the myth that breast self-exam saves lives.

"We warn you: hearing the truth about what you thought you knew about breast cancer may surprise you. And it should motivate you,"

"Despite billions of dollars in research, hundreds of community events to raise awareness and millions of ribbons, we have made only modest progress in the mission to eradicate breast cancer. It's time to move beyond awareness to action, and time to peel back the pink to see what's really happening in breast cancer research, treatment, prevention and cure."

said NBCC president, Fran Visco.

NBCC will use the high-visibility of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage important grassroots action and advocacy through a strong social media presence; a celebrity-filled Public Service Announcement depicting the story of breast cancer; the organization's redesigned website, StopBreastCancer.org; and newly launched science and advocacy online resource, KnowBreastCancer.org.

National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) is dedicated to ending breast cancer through the power of grassroots action and advocacy. NBCC increases funding for breast cancer research; monitors how those funds are spent; expands access to quality health care for all; and ensures that trained advocates influence all decision making that impacts breast cancer. StopBreastCancer.org.