October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Current guidelines recommend most people get a screening mammogram every other year beginning at age 40 and continue through age 74. (File photo)

NORWICH — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States annually and 2.3 million women worldwide. Each year in New York, at least 17,000 females are diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 2,400 die from the disease. Breast Cancer Awareness Month features several campaigns and programs conducted by groups ranging from breast cancer advocacy organizations to local community organizations. The goals of this awareness campaign are to support people diagnosed with breast cancer, educate people about breast cancer risk factors, stress the importance of regular screening, and fundraise for breast cancer research.

Although breast cancer is much more common in women, breast cancer affects men, too. In 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden designated October 17 to October 23 Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. About 2,800 American men this year are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and about 510 are expected to die from the disease. Lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care. For more information about breast cancer in men visit: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/male-breast-cancer

Current guidelines recommend most people get a screening mammogram every other year beginning at age 40 and continue through age 74. This includes people with a family history of breast cancer, those with dense breasts, and transgender men and non-binary people assigned female at birth.

In 1992, the pink ribbon came into play after Alexandra Penney, SELF magazine's editor-in-chief, partnered with Evelyn Lauder, Estée Lauder's senior corporate vice president and a breast cancer survivor, to distribute pink ribbons after the magazine’s second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s a trigger — 31 days in the fall of pink-ribbon reminders of a disease that forever changed them. 

Here are some breast cancer resources available to Chenango County residents:

• The Southern Tier Cancer Services Program - provides free cancer screenings to people without health insurance in Broome, Tioga, Chemung, Chenango, and Schuyler Counties. The program also provides free diagnostic testing when there has been an abnormal screening result. The following screening services are available: Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal. Call 607.778.3900 for more information or to find out if you are eligible or go to: https://www.gobroomecounty.com/hd/clinics-and-screenings

• Chenango Health Network - hosts a cancer support group once a month and a financial assistance program to help provide support to residents who have a breast cancer diagnosis and pay for treatment and other needs related to their diagnosis. Funds can be used for things related to the diagnosis not covered by insurance. They hold several local fundraising events per year. For more information, call 607- 337-4105 or visit http://www.chenangohealth.org/

• Lourdes Breast Care – from early detection to comprehensive cancer treatment. They offer support programs and resources. Your cancer care team can help by providing nutrition education and counseling to support groups and spiritual care. They also have a Mobile Mammography Van. Call 607-798-6161 for more information or go to https://healthcare.ascension.org/specialty-care/cancer

• The American Cancer Society – offers a 24-hour hotline at 1-800 227-2345 to the National Cancer Information Center for cancer support services. They also offer the Reach to Recovery program. Through their website and mobile app, you can create an online profile and match with a volunteer who has experienced a similar type of breast cancer, stage, and treatment. You can also choose how you want to connect with a volunteer through online chat, phone call, or text messages. https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/reach-to-recovery.html

• New York State Cancer Services Program - The Cancer Services Program (CSP) provides breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services at NO COST to people who: live in New York State, do not have health insurance, have health insurance with a cost share that may prevent a person from obtaining screening and diagnostic services, meet income eligibility requirements, and meet age requirements. For more information, call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or go to https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/services/

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Chenango County Department of Public Health will share information and resources on social media to highlight the importance of cancer screening. Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be a good reminder to learn more about breast cancer. Some good places to start might be examining your personal risk of developing the disease, giving yourself a breast exam, and scheduling your next breast cancer screenings. Talk with your doctor about screenings that are right for you based on your age, family history, and risk factors. Help us spread the word and talk to your family and friends about the importance of yearly health screenings. Follow the conversation on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChenangoLHD.

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

— Information from the Chenango County Health Department