October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to the latest statistics, about 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.

While great strides have been made in the fight against this deadly disease, we still have a long way to go. This year alone, it is estimated there will be over 250,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women in our country, as well as nearly 64,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.

Mammograms remain an effective tool in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Earlier this year my colleagues and I passed legislation requiring breast tomosynthesis (3-D mammography) to be covered by health insurance companies in New York State. The 3-D mammography technology has proven to be a more consistent and dependable way of detecting breast cancer, but not all insurers cover this type of screening. Under this legislation, insurers would be required to provide for this type of coverage in an effort to identify breast cancer earlier and potentially save lives. The measure is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature into law.

If you, or someone you know, has a concern about breast cancer, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Programright here on Long Island is a wonderful resource. Please visit their website at www.breast-cancer.adelphi.edu.