News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, October 4, 2013
Contact: Doug Finch (315) 781-2030
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Legislative column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

Each year thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer, a disease that takes the lives of close to 2,700 New Yorkers annually. One of the best ways we can help to prevent these tragic losses is through scheduled mammograms designed to catch signs of cancer as early as possible. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I would like to remind New York's women to talk with their doctors and schedule an exam. Taking an important step now, can save lives later on.

THE ADELPHI NY STATEWIDE BREAST CANCER HOTLINE AND SUPPORT PROGRAM IS A GREAT RESOURCE

Facing a potential cancer diagnosis is a stressful time for a woman and her family, and we are fortunate for the volunteers at the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline. They can help provide emotional support and the information needed to schedule a mammogram or other forms of medical treatment.

For 33 years the volunteers at the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program have dedicated their hard work and expertise to New York's women. I am proud to support and promote their services, which are free of charge, and I encourage women to take advantage of them.

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers a toll-free number - 1-800-877-8077 - where individuals can speak with a highly trained volunteer who has access to a great deal of useful and important information. The volunteers can also provide valuable emotional support. I urge all New York women to consider their services this month.

MEN AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer undoubtedly affects the families of patients, too. Men Against Breast Cancer (MABC) is designed to provide support services and education for men, who in turn, can be effective caregivers for their female loved ones.

It provides men with the education, resources and support to get through the many difficulties associated with breast cancer, according to the organization's website. For more information about their programs and services, please visit their website.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.