Stand Together To

To The Reader’s Forum:

You may see pink ribbons, clothing and articles all month because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We need to make sure that across Chautauqua County we raise awareness and recognize the survivors and those currently battling the disease. Most importantly, we must promote education and prevention.

Know the risk factors! More than 30% of cancer could be prevented by modifying lifestyle or avoiding the risk factors. Cancer prevention choices include, but are not limited to, a healthy weight, healthy eating, living an active lifestyle, avoid or moderate alcohol intake. A few of the common risk factors include personal and family history of cancer, being overweight, getting older, certain drugs and previous radiation treatments among others.

When breast cancer is detected early, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. Educate yourself about the warning signs and symptoms. Regular screening and check-ups are important for everyone but especially for women with high risk factors. Mammograms, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams are critically important.

In addition to a medical treatment plan, a number of strategies for coping with cancer have been identified, including: a fighting spirit, a positive attitude, seeking help and support and being dedicated to the treatment plan developed with the care team.

Continued research is important to ensure continued progress in cancer research and treatment. Contact your Congressional representatives and ask them to make robust, predictable, and sustained funding for medical and cancer research a national priority.

Let’s stand together and fight against breast cancer. Educate, Communicate, Support and Advocate.

As a breast cancer survivor, this issue is personal and important to me

Sources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, American Association for Cancer Research, Susan B. Komen Foundation

County Legislator

Jamestown