With Mother’s Day fast approaching, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I – Corning) is joining with the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program in their annual Mother’s Day campaign to encourage women to get mammograms.

“While a vast majority of mammograms prove to be normal, it is still vital for women to get checked out,” said Palmesano. “This Mother’s Day, I urge you to remind your loved ones of the importance of getting a mammogram.”

According to the New York Department of Health website, in 2008, 14,566 cases of female breast cancer were reported, leading to 2634 deaths. The mortality rate for breast cancer patients continues to decline, thanks to advancing technology and awareness; spreading awareness is the best way to save the lives of loved ones, noted Palmesano.

For more information, or to locate an accredited mammography facility near you, call the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline at (800) 877-8077 or visit www.adelphi.edu/nysbreastcancer. The free hotline also helps women get emotional support from trained volunteers, most of whom are breast cancer survivors.

“Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer, so it is extremely important that women take advantage of this great service,” Palmesano stated.