Senator Stavisky Recognizes October As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Flushing, NY—Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) joined her fellow lawmakers to recognize October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“The battle against breast cancer begins with information and early detection,” said Senator Stavisky. “I want New Yorkers to know that with preventative screenings and routine mammograms, breast cancer can be detected and treated early, significantly increasing the chance of survival.”

Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer makes up nearly one in four cancer diagnoses in women. Breast cancer is usually not fatal if discovered and treated early but factors such infrequent mammograms and self exams and limited access to health care can make detection less likely and treatment more expensive, giving the disease time to progress.

In New York State, between 14,000 and 15,300 women battle breast cancer each year and more than 2,600 lose their lives. More deaths can be prevented by increasing public awareness of practices that lead to early detection and treatment and ensuring that affordable treatment is available to more New Yorkers.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about early detection, treatment and how together we can save more New Yorkers from this disease,” Senator Stavisky concluded. “I urge New Yorkers to get more information about breast cancer and talk to their medical professionals about the right early detection option for them.”

For more information about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit:

http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/breast/index.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/