Education is Key in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Few things in life are more frightening than a diagnosis of cancer.  The word alone is enough to send shivers down the spines of most people, especially when it strikes close to home, either in yourself or a loved one.  

Yet, the outlook for people with cancer is, in many cases, better than ever before due to medical breakthroughs, research and education.  As is often the case with chronic illness, education is key to early detection in the fight against cancer.  

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer.  It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.  The good news is that the survival rate, when detected early, is very high.

In the United States alone, there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors which can be attributed to earlier detection and better treatment.

The best protection is early detection.  By recognizing the symptoms of breast cancer, even when some appear to be inconsequential, women can seek medical attention early, if needed, thereby increasing survival rates.

The American Cancer Society recommends that every woman have a baseline mammogram by age 40, then a screening mammography every year thereafter.  However, every woman should consult with her doctor about this issue.

While many people know that October is breast cancer awareness month, others may not know that October 16th is National Mammography Day. It is an important day to raise awareness about this life-saving screening and to encourage women to schedule an appointment for a mammogram screening.

In August, I was glad that so many women took advantage of mammogram screenings at my Family Health Fair.  I partnered with the Mobile Mammography Coach to offer the screening for the first time this year.  

In the 2015-16 State Budget, I worked with my colleagues in the State Senate to secure a $200,000 state grant, administered by the State Department of Health, to increase outreach initiatives to individuals impacted by breast cancer and to provide expanded cancer services in our region.  This funding is much needed since some of the counties in Western New York have the highest rates of breast cancer in the State.

Later this month, I will be hosting a round table discussion with survivors of breast cancer to learn about their experiences following the diagnosis. The program will be facilitated by the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. Join us for an important conversation on October 30th at 1 o’clock in the afternoon at the YWCA of Genesee County.

For more information about the round table and breast cancer, please visit my website at ranzenhofer.nysenate.gov.