For more than 40 years, October has been designated nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness month, a coordinated effort to share information about this all-too-common disease and the importance of early detection. According to the NYS Health Department, close to 17,000 women in NY are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and nearly 2,500 die from the disease. 

Early detection is the key to survival. 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 more accurate screenings that find cancers early and better treatment options.

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 aggressive form of breast cancer that affects only about five percent of women. 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 she is among the thousands of breast cancer survivors in our community. By raising awareness, we can help ensure that more women experience positive outcomes.

Under NY 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 women under forty 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)
• The New York State Health Department (1-866-442-2262)

All these agencies and organizations provide valuable resources, information, and services.

While October is the month we set aside to help raise awareness, we must remember the battle against breast cancer never ends. I urge you to share this information with your loved ones.