CHENANGO COUNTY – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the United States annually and 2.3 million women worldwide. 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 2,710 American men this year are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and about 530 are expected to die from the disease. Lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care. Some men, trans men, and non-binary people choose to call their cancer chest cancer. (This information is provided by Breastcancer.org.)

Here are some of the local breast cancer resources that are available for 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 and a financial assistance program to help provide financial support to residents who have a cancer diagnosis, pay for treatment, and other needs related to their diagnosis. Monies can be used for anything related to a diagnosis not covered by insurance. For more information, call 607- 337-4105 or visit http://www.chenangohealth.org/

Lourdes Breast Care takes a compassionate, personalized approach to breast cancer care – from early detection to comprehensive cancer treatment. They offer support programs and resources, social workers, physical therapy and nurse navigation. Your cancer care team provides support from nutrition education and counseling to breast cancer 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 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. 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. Regular cancer screenings and mammograms may help find cancer early when it is most treatable. There may be more options for treatment, too. Talk with your doctor about the 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 www.facebook.com/ChenangoLHD

- Information from the Chenango County Health Department