Over the next several weeks, you will see frequent reminders that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a nationwide effort to focus attention on this all-too-common disease and the importance of early detection.  According to the New York State Health Department, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in New York, and it is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their life. While men can also develop breast cancer, it is exceedingly rare. About 150 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in New York.

Given the statistics, chances are you know someone who has faced this disease head-on. For me, it is my wife, Mary Pat, who was diagnosed with a rare and highly aggressive form of breast cancer that affects only about five percent of women. Despite the fear and anxiety that comes with such a diagnosis, Mary Pat confronted the disease with courage and determination. Thanks to her doctors, medical team, and the support of family and friends, her treatment has been successful, and Mary Pat is among the thousands of breast cancer survivors in our community. 

By raising awareness about breast cancer, we can help ensure that more women experience positive outcomes. The good news is that there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today and death rates have been steadily declining thanks to better treatments and more accurate screenings that find cancers early when they are most treatable.

While research into the causes of breast cancer is on-going, scientists have determined that certain risk factors can increase a person’s chances of developing the disease, such as genetics, age, diet, and lifestyle. Regular screening tests are also critical, including mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-exams. Current Health Department guidelines recommend that most people get a mammogram beginning at age 40 and continue through age 74. Under New York law, most health insurance plans are required to cover breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging with no out-of-pocket costs to the patient. In addition, the Legislature in 2019 passed Shannon’s Law, which I supported, to mandate insurance companies cover annual mammograms for residents 35 to 39 when a doctor determines it to be medically necessary.  

In Western New York, we are fortunate to have wonderful facilities and programs to treat breast cancer and to offer support to patients and their families, including Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (1-800-ROSWELL), the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York (716-706-0060), the Breast Cancer Coalition (585-473-8177), The Erie County Cancer Services Program (716-858-7376), and the New York State Health Department (1-866-442-2262).  All these agencies and organizations provide valuable resources, information, and services. 

Designating an entire month to breast cancer awareness is an important part of our on-going battle against the disease. I urge you to share this information with family and friends throughout the year.