Throughout the country, breast cancer has caused great suffering to its victims and their families. It’s now more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to fighting breast cancer, and help promote awareness of the deadly disease. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in taking part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting women in this country. Estimates predict that over 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be recorded in the United States this year.¹ Currently, one in eight women are affected by breast cancer.²3 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.⁴ 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.

As important as early detection and preventive measure are, the state believe it has a role in combatting this disease as well. The Assembly passed a vital new law this summer that helps to map incidences of breast cancer in New York State (Ch. 106 of 2013). By mapping occurrences of breast cancer throughout the state, health organizations can better understand the disease, who it’s affecting and how we can combat it. In addition, with the implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), breast cancer survivors no longer have to worry about being denied health care or having their coverage taken away because of pre-existing conditions. Many women may even be eligible for free mammogram screenings and preventative care services without having to pay a deductible or co-pay.

Although great progress has been made to combat this disease and help survivors, there’s much more to be done. We owe it to our mothers, daughters, sisters, spouses and neighbors to continue the fight. By promoting awareness, and by emphasizing prevention and screening for breast cancer, we can save countless lives. We can also support those in our community who are affected by breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is hosting its annual “Lives Touched, Lives Remembered” event on Oct. 23. You can learn more about this event and the fight against breast cancer by visiting the coalition’s website at bccr.org, or by calling 585-473-8177.

If you have any other questions about this issue, or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can reach my district office at 585-244-5255 or email me at Bronsonh@assembly.state.ny.us.

1. cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/documents/document/acspc-036845.pdf

2. health.ny.gov/statistics/cancer/registry/abouts/breast.htm

3. www2.monroecounty.gov/files/health/DataReports/Epidemiology%20of%20Cancer%20in%20Monroe%20County-%20updated%204-12-2012.pdf

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