Reynolds Increases Breast Cancer and Mammography Awareness

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Reynolds Increases Breast Cancer and Mammography Awareness

Today, Representative Thomas M. Reynolds (Clarence), breast cancer survivors, doctors, and the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester's President Holly Anderson joined to increase breast cancer and mammography awareness. Speaking in front of the Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital they highlighted the importance of early breast cancer detection and routine screening. Reynolds encouraged all Western New York women to visit their physician and schedule exams and routine mammograms.

"Each year, thousands of American women receive the devastating news that they have been diagnosed with breast cancer, but with early detection and screening more and more women are surviving," Reynolds said. "Early detection and regular screening are the key to beating this disease, and no one understands the importance of this better than the survivors that join us here today."

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection is key in fighting this horrible disease. Breast cancer death rates would drop 30 percent, if all women age 40 and older took advantage of early detection methods - mammography plus clinical breast exam.

Experts recommend women over age 40 have a physical breast exam performed every year by a physician, and women between ages 20 and 40 receive one every three years. In 2007, an estimated 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women, as well as an estimated 62,030 additional cases of breast cancer. In 2007, approximately 40,460 women are expected to die from breast cancer. Only lung cancer accounts for more cancer deaths in women. In Congress, Reynolds has been a strong advocate for breast cancer research, detection and treatment for patients.

Reynolds has supported many efforts to increase awareness and provide more resources for the fight against cancer. Reynolds cosponsored legislation to invest in research that will study the link between the environment and breast cancer, a top priority of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Reynolds also secured the $2.5 million which is being used to help construct the Wilmot Cancer Center.In addition, Reynolds has strongly supported the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act, which authorized $1.25 billion for breast and cervical cancer detection programs and gives low-income and uninsured women greater access to screening services. Just this past week Rep. Reynolds cosponsored a resolution supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"I will continue to be a strong advocate for improving breast cancer research, detection and treatment for patients," concluded Reynolds. "It is important to raise awareness about the preventative measures that Western New York women and their families can take so they won't fall victim to this terrible disease."

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