Approximately 15,000 women and 150 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in New York State every year.[i] These aren’t just numbers; these are our loved ones, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
While important progress has been made, it’s still the most common cancer in women, regardless of race or ethnicity.[ii] And while medical advancements have brought us better detection and treatment options, raising awareness and encouraging the women in our lives to get screened remains critical, because even one life lost to this ugly disease is one too many.
As with other cancers, early detection makes a big difference in a patient’s treatment and increases the chances of beating the disease. That’s why October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to spread the message to get screened.
While women over the age of 45 are urged to have a mammogram every year, all women should evaluate their level of risk with their medical providers to determine if a yearly mammogram is recommended. Symptoms should never be ignored.
In order to ensure that women have access to lifesaving screenings, the Assembly passed a new law that I co-sponsored that went into effect this year that prohibits deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance for mammograms, breast ultrasounds and MRIs and requires that facilities offer extended hours to ensure that more people can get screened (Ch.74 of 2016). I also helped pass legislation that would require certain health insurance policies to cover 3D mammograms so that women can get the most reliable, effective screenings possible.
Early detection can save your life. To find out where you can get a breast cancer screening in your area, call 866-442-CANCER (2262) or text “Get Screened” to 81336. The referral line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions. You can also visit the state Department of Health at health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/breast/index.htm to learn more.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about this or any other community issue at315-452-1152 or StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.
[ii] Cdc.gov/cancer/breast/