Assemblymember Cahill: October Marks the 25th Anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 9, 2009

Assemblymember Kevin A. Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess), a staunch advocate for breast cancer education and prevention, encourages the community to support those struggling with breast cancer this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in New York, affecting close to 14,000 women and 150 men in the state each year.

“The importance of early detection can not be stressed enough. Since breast cancer can be diagnosed at an early, more treatable stage, survival rates are up and treatment can be successful,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “Practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes or irregularities and scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms for women over 40 with health care providers increase the chances of early detection and survival.”

Assemblymember Cahill has worked over the years to obtain funding in the state budget to assist local organizations in efforts to aid survivors and their family and friends. He recently secured a $5,000 grant for Breast Cancer Options for their peer led support group and Lend a Helping Hand Program. Breast Cancer Options is a leading service provider in the Hudson Valley, with a mission to educate breast cancer patients about effective treatment opportunities, advocate for informed patient choice and promote public awareness regarding cancer risk reduction.

“When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and is suddenly faced with significant life altering decisions regarding her healthcare, Breast Cancer Options is there to offer assistance so that they don’t have to face it alone,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “They are a positive force to expand critical information and services to women and families struggling with cancer.”

Breast Cancer Options has received the 2009 New York State Innovation in Early Detection and Research Award, bestowed by the New York State Department of Health's Breast Cancer Detection and Education Advisory Council. “Only two of these annual awards are given to non profits in New York State and it is a great honor to be recognized for the scope and excellence of our programs. We provide the only grassroots, non hospital based services for women with breast cancer in the Hudson Valley. In many areas we are the only service provider,” said Hope Nemiroff, Executive Director of Breast Cancer Options. “Assemblymember Cahill’s support over the years has been invaluable to our organization and the people we serve.”

“I urge each of you to get informed, share information with loved ones, attend or support a breast cancer awareness function, and reduce your risks of developing breast cancer,” said Assemblymember Cahill.

To see which cancer service programs are offered in each county, visit the New York State Department of Health’s Web site at www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/cancer/center/partnerships/ or call its cancer service hotline at (866) 442-2262. You may also visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s Web site at www.nbcam.org or call my office at (845) 338-9610.

Breast Cancer Options is the only local organization of its kind serving 6 counties – Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Green, Sullivan and Orange. For additional information please visit the Breast Cancer Options Web site.

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