Almost everyone knows somebody who has had to struggle with the devastating effects of cancer. Breast cancer is especially prevalent, being the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

While most people are aware of breast cancer, it’s important to promote deeper understanding about how to recognize, prevent and treat it. It is also critical to continue supporting research organizations like the American Cancer Society, which sponsors Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where future treatment methods are being developed and refined every day. To further that mission, we passed a state budget this year that provided $1 million toward breast cancer research and education.

In 2015, the United States is likely to see over 200,000 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and more than 60,000 could face the disease’s earliest stages.¹ The odds that a woman in the United States will die from breast cancer are about 1 in 36 – a disturbing statistic.² Fortunately, there are excellent local resources available. Nonprofits and local organizations play a crucial role in helping promote early detection and education. The American Cancer Society has an office nearby in East Syracuse, which can be reached at 437-7025. The Upstate Cancer Center, 464-4673, and Susan G. Komen Central New York, 472-6162, are also community assets for treatment and information. The Upstate Cancer Center, for example, will provide mammography screenings for many Syracuse Housing Authority residents, made possible by the Central New York affiliate of Susan G. Komen.

Thanks to continued research in the fight against breast cancer, combined with educational efforts that aid detection, many women diagnosed with breast cancer will recover and ultimately join the estimated 2.8 million survivors.³ But there is still more work to be done. I urge you to take part in observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some ways to get involved include becoming or supporting a “Pink Tie Guy” or even just by wearing pink on Oct. 23. For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how you can get involved, go online to Susan G. Komen’s CNY affiliate (komencny.org) or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).

I’ll continue to advocate for the health of our community by supporting critical education programs and research funding. Together, we can help save lives. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 452-1115.

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