Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It is important that we continue to recognize the impact that breast cancer has on both women and men across our nation. Although there has been progress made towards ending this disease there is still much work to be done. Our strongest weapon against this deadly disease is early detection.

Breast cancer is unfortunately the most common cancer in women in the United States –but awareness and early detection can save lives.  It is of the utmost importance that the public is aware of current information and treatment options. Approximately 200,000 women and 2,100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 women and 450 men die from the disease each year. Fortunately, there are about 2.6 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States today.

I commend organizations like the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Sisters Network Inc. and many others, for their dedication to educating the citizens of our community, keeping them updated on the status of relevant research, and offering support to those affected.  I appreciate their commitment to providing education about the disease, by spreading the message of awareness and most importantly prevention. I especially want to acknowledge the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program. I commend them for their annual campaign to raise awareness for women to get annual mammograms. In women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African-American women than white women and overall, African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer. Research shows that aggressive tumor characteristics are more common in African American women. I encourage constituents in the district with any breast cancer concerns to call the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Programs toll free number 1 800-877-8077 and speak to one of their highly trained professional staff members.  

In order to prevent breast cancer, we must increase our awareness, which makes research, early detection, and treatment all the more important as women's best defenses. In acknowledging October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many mothers, sisters, and friends can become more aware so we can put up a good fight against this deadly disease.