Every year about this time, I try to do a column reminding my constituents that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This subject hits home for many people, myself included, as my wife, Kathy, is a survivor. Because of her success story, I am driven to inform the public that early detection is the key to survival. The fact is that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women other than lung cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer during their life is one in eight. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36. Statistically, the death rate is slowly declining, because of increased media awareness, early detection and better treatment options.
Despite the improving statistics, however, we must encourage all women to be pro-active in their pursuit of better health by eating better foods, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and reducing their alcohol intake. In addition, regular mammograms and self-examinations will greatly improve chances of early detection and prevention
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For more information about the prevention and treatment of this and many other types of cancer, please visit the American Cancer Society’s website at www.cancer.org.
Always feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues by calling my office at (573) 751-5713 or by visiting www.senate.mo.gov/brown.
Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.
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