Bed-Stuy, Time to Get 'In the Pink'

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Not only is this the time to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention, but also provide support and encouragement to those who are fighting the disease.

Each year in New York State, about 14,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 2,700 women die from the disease. Men also get breast cancer, but it is very rare. About 150 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in New York State.

"It is rare you will meet someone who either doesn't know someone with breast cancer or who has been touched by the disease in some way," said Sandra MacDonald, coordinator for the Cancer Services Program of Central Brooklyn County.

MacDonald says, although more and more women have become aware of the dangers of breast cancer and the need to get screened more often, they still tend to put breast cancer prevention on the backburner.

"I think the economy may be playing a big role lately, because when people are more concerned about their income, they're less concerned about their health," said MacDonald.

The truth is, the best way to avoid creating a financial strain is by making sure your health is in tip-top shape. The medical expenses and emotional costs that come with chronic illness are worth the few hours of screening and prevention.

The risk for getting breast cancer increases with age. More than three-quarters of women who get breast cancer are over the age of fifty. White women are more likely to get breast cancer than Black women.

Also, women with high socioeconomic status (those whose family income is above average) are more likely to get breast cancer. Scientists believe this may be related to having their first child at an older age, fewer pregnancies, diet and possibly other factors shared by women in higher income groups.

In the coming month, Bed-Stuy Patch will take a look at breast cancer today: Who's getting it; What causes it; Paths to prevention; Where to go locally for screenings; Profiles of local breast cancer survivors; Local initiatives; And what you can do to help the cause.

Are you a survivor? Do you have a story to share? Patch wants to give you a place to inspire and encourage each other. Send us your photos of those 5ks, pink parties, dog walks and luncheons. Heading to get a mammogram with your friend, sister, coworker or daughter? Snap a photo before you go, and send it our way!