Chances are you know someone who has suffered through a fight with breast cancer. It is a disease that knows no barriers and affects hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a time to reaffirm our commitment to prevention and early detection and to honor the brave women and men who have fallen victim to, survived and been touched by this tragic disease.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in 1985 to bring attention to the disease and effective methods of fighting and preventing it.

Early detection is a key factor in reducing the disease’s deadly effects. There is a 98 percent survival rate when breast cancer is caught early, at a localized stage.¹ It’s imperative that women perform self-exams monthly and get annual mammograms, as well as clinical exams from their doctor. Adopting healthy habits, such as a well-rounded diet, regular exercise and limiting alcohol and tobacco use, can also decrease the risk of breast cancer.

Research has led to improvements in treatment and prevention, but that does not mean the battle is close to over. When 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, we can’t sit back and hope for the best – we must be proactive.²

For information on cancer service programs in our area, visit the New York State Department of Health’s website at www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/cancer/center/partnerships/ or call its cancer service hotline at 866-442-2262.

Anyone in New York State with breast cancer concerns can also call the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program to find out where to get mammograms and to receive important informational and emotional support at 800-877-8077.

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1. www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer

healthfinder.gov/NHO/OctoberToolkit.aspx

2. healthfinder.gov/NHO/OctoberToolkit.aspx