Letter from Jessica Whitney

Screen Early for Breast Cancer

It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we want to make sure you are you getting your breast cancer screenings!

Many things affect a person’s chance of getting cancer. These are called risk factors. Risk factors you can’t change include simply getting older. Most breast cancer is diagnosed in women ages 50 and older, and in people who have had breast cancer. Family history of breast cancer in your immediate family is also a contributing factor. Risk factors you can change are lifestyle factors, including being overweight, not getting enough exercise, smoking, consuming alcohol and your diet. People can still get cancer if they do not have any risk factors. This is why screening is so important.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. However, early detection of cancer can save lives by finding cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful and before some cancers even start. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early and should be done at age 40.

The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie offers free breast cancer screening for eligible, uninsured/underinsured New York State residents. Call us at (888) 345-0225 to see if you are eligible.

Jessica Whitney
Public Education & Community Outreach Coordinator
Cancer Services Program
Oneonta