New York Health Department Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

This October, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrating their 25th year. Their fight continues as about 39,520 women have died from breast cancer as of a 2011 record. But their efforts are rewarded as more than 2½ million American women survive breast cancer.

In New York, there are more than 14,000 new cases of breast cancer in a year and 2,800 women die every year because of this illness.

The sooner that it is discovered, the chance of surviving is greater. This can be done through screening tests and regular check ups.

All women are at risk for developing breast cancer. Until now, there is no known cause for developing this illness. But researchers were able to identify the following risk factors:

• genes; having a mother, sister, daughter, or any close kin diagnosed with breast cancer
• giving birth at a later age (more than 30 years old)
• not being able to breastfeed
• starting menstrual period at a young age (younger than 12 years old)
• lack of exercise or physical activity
• obesity
• alcohol
• undergoing hormone replacement therapy for a long time

Initially, breast cancer is discovered because of a lump in the breast. Having a lump does not automatically mean that you have cancer. It can be benign or non-invasive. The best thing to do is to have it checked by a physician or health care provider. You should also look out for these symptoms:

• tenderness or pain in the nipple
• change in the look and feel of the skin in the breast or nipple area
• liquid discharge from the nipple
• nipple turning inward
• a change in the size and shape of the breast

The key to defeating breast cancer is early detection so you can have it treated as soon as possible. The first thing you can do is self-examination. You do this on your own by feeling your breasts and underarms to see if you can feel any lump. You can also ask for help from a healthcare provider who will do this same procedure for you. But the most reliable is undergoing a mammogram which is very similar to an x-ray done in the breast part.

The New York State Department of Health Cancer Services Program is offering free preventive services if you fall within the following eligibility:

1. a resident of New York state
2. you do not have a New York health insurance policy or you have a policy but that doesn’t cover breast cancer screenings
3. your income falls within their limit
4. you are within the age limit
5. you cannot pay for the screening

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of early detection. Having good health insurance coverage ensures access to essential screenings and support, offering peace of mind and proactive care for managing breast health.

If you are interested, call 1-866-442CANCER (2262) to get more information.