October Is "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month" - Make The Time For A Mammogram
Legislative column from Assembly Minortiy Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua)
For the past 25 years, the month of October has been recognized as "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month." This recognition
presents an excellent reminder for women to talk with their doctor about scheduling a regular mammogram. Mammograms have been
proven to help save lives and are one of the most important early detection tools we have in the fight against breast cancer.
While we have made real progress combating this deadly disease, much more work remains.
REDUCING BREAST CANCER'S TERRIBLE TOLL
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women, aside from skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society
(ACS), an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed among women last year and
approximately 1,910 new cases were expected to be found in men. The ACS also had forecasted that an estimated 40,610 breast
cancer deaths were expected in 2009: 40,170 in women and 440 among men.
These numbers are far too high and simply unacceptable. One death attributed to breast cancer is one death too many, which is
why organizations like the ACS continue to stress the critical importance of early detection provided through routine mammograms.
Thankfully, there are many wonderful - and cost-free - informational resources available to women who have questions about breast
cancer or want to locate an accredited mammography facility nearby. If anxiety is holding you back, it is reassuring to know
that approximately 95 percent of all mammograms prove to be normal - think of the peace of mind you will have after your
screening.
ADELPHI NY STATEWIDE BREAST CANCER HOTLINE & SUPPORT PROGRAM: 30 YEARS OF ANSWERS ABOUT BREAST CANCER
This October, I am proud to once again promote the availability of the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support
Program which is helping us win the fight against breast cancer. Now entering its 30th year serving New Yorkers, this program
is the first initiative in our state to exclusively address the psychosocial issues associated with breast cancer. It is
also the only comprehensive, university-based breast cancer-counseling program in New York staffed by certified social
workers offering diversified support groups, as well as individual and family counseling. All of the program's informational
and referral services are provided free of charge.
The program is a project of the Adelphi University School of Social Work on Long Island, and its mission is to "educate, support,
empower and advocate for breast cancer patients, professionals and the community." The initiative does so by offering a
toll-free hotline and informational website that provide detailed answers to questions about breast cancer.
The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer hotline - 1-800-877-8077 - is available seven days a week and answers nearly
4,000 calls each year. Callers can speak with specially trained, professionally supervised volunteers, many of whom have had
breast cancer themselves, for information, referrals and emotional support.
In addition to the program's hotline, there is also a website - www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer - available to assist women in
locating an accredited mammography facility in their community. The website provides an online clearinghouse for breast cancer
resources, including terminology, questions you should ask your doctor, support groups available to offer assistance and ways
you can volunteer to promote public awareness of breast cancer and the critical importance of early detection and mammography.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT CAN HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER
The following are some simple yet effective lifestyle changes individuals can make to help reduce their risk of breast cancer,
courtesy of a website devoted to promoting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, www.nbcam.org:
Decrease your daily fat intake especially saturated or hydrogenated fats. Reducing your fat intake
helps prevent other health problems such as heart disease and stroke and may reduce your chance of developing breast and
colon cancers;
Increase fiber in your diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables because in addition to their fiber content,
fruits and vegetables have antioxidant properties and micronutrients that may help prevent some cancers;
Limit alcohol. Evidence suggests that a small increase in risk exists for women who average two or more
drinks per day (beer, wine, and distilled liquor);
Stay active. The Surgeon General has reported that individuals can help prevent many health problems by
engaging in a moderate amount of physical activity (such as taking a brisk, 30minute walk) on most days of the week.
Strive to maintain the body weight recommended by a health professional, since excess fat may stimulate estrogen production;
and
Don't smoke! Although smoking doesn't cause breast cancer, it can increase the chance of blood clots,
heart disease, and other cancers that may spread to the breast.
OCTOBER IS THE RIGHT TIME TO MAKE TIME FOR A MAMMOGRAM
It is critical that women take time and, if necessary, make time, to look after their own personal health and wellbeing.
This includes regular doctor visits and scheduling a mammogram as part of their wellness routine. Yes, we have made strides
against breast cancer - but we cannot afford to become complacent! Mammograms save lives and October is the perfect time to
schedule one.
As always, constituents wishing to discuss this topic or any other state-related matter should contact my district office at
(315) 781-2030, or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.
You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and informational updates regarding state government and our
Assembly Minority Conference.