Among the things that make this month so special is the fact that October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is a disease that affects all races, ages and, to the surprise of many, can affect both men and women.
According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 192,370 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately 40,000 women will lose their battle with cancer this year. Women between the ages of 45 and 65 are among the highest percentage diagnosed with breast cancer. During this month and throughout the year, I encourage you to take time out of your busy life to schedule a mammogram. You spend your whole life working and taking care of your families. During the month of October, make it a goal to give them the best gift of all: a healthy you. Make an appointment to visit your doctor and receive a mammogram, especially if you are over the age of 40. Don’t put your health off until a later day, because later may be too late.
I also encourage you to get involved in the fight against breast cancer, by visiting the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s website at www.bccr.com and help increase the awareness surrounding breast cancer. If you have any additional questions, please contact me at (585) 225-4190.