This October, as we celebrate autumn’s bounty and begin our holiday planning and preparations, what better gift can one give to their loved ones, and themselves, than knowing they are cancer free? That’s why I am reminding constituents to get screened for cancer.
Although October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we typically associate this disease with women, it is important that men know the importance of screening for cancer as well. The American Cancer Society estimates 2,140 new cases of invasion breast cancer will be diagnosed among men by the end of 2011. Furthermore, 450 men will die from breast cancer.
The good news is that the prognosis for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer is improving every day. With medical advances, aggressive treatments and, most importantly, increased early detection, more and more Americans are surviving breast cancer than ever before. In fact, there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.
The key to survival is early detection – and I encourage every resident, male or female, to get checked. For those who need assistance in finding a low-cost or free mammogram, have questions regarding breast cancer or for guidance and support, please call the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program by calling 1-800-877-8077 (or visit their website at www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer).
For more than three decades, the professionals at Adelphi have been offering support, providing free mammograms and helping to decrease cancer fatalities in our state. There are so many wonderful stories of hope and cancer recovery but each of these stories started with a cancer screening. To share your stories, or cancer services that may be helpful to members of our community, please email me at rabbitta@assembly.state.ny.us.