CONTINUING THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)

If you haven’t already noticed, many businesses, governments and individuals are showcasing pink ribbons this month, the universal symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every October, health care professionals and advocates spread the message of being diligent with breast cancer, an incredibly common but preventable disease that affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Locally, breast cancer awareness is all about encouraging breast cancer screenings and proactive care against breast cancer, as well as showing support to those going through treatment for the disease. It’s the most common type of non-skin cancer in women in the U.S., and it accounts for 30% of all new cancer cases in women. Older women are more susceptible to the disease, but hereditary consideration accounts for about 5-10% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Metastatic breast cancer is a particular area of concern, where 168,000 women in the U.S. are estimated to have it. This is a breast cancer that spreads to other parts of the body, which makes it incredibly difficult to fight and is partly why health care professionals advocate for frequent check-ups, so they have a chance to fight the cancer before it spreads. Men are susceptible to breast cancer, too, despite it being more common in women. The American Cancer Society estimates just south of 3,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and about 530 are expected to die from the disease. Stigma and lack of awareness are expected to contribute to those numbers, which is why it’s imperative that everyone get a screening when they can to stay ahead of the disease. I truly hope people consider getting a screening this month. It’s a simple procedure that could literally add years to your life. For more information, consider visiting breastcancer.org. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com.