Long Islanders Encouraged To Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Long Island officials joined the American Cancer Society on Friday afternoon to "go pink" and raise awareness of breast cancer across the island.

Breast cancer treatment, mammograms and other cancer screenings have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, officials said. With support of local officials, corporate leaders and breast cancer supporters, the American Cancer Society is inviting Long Island to commit to screening, build awareness, volunteer, participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement and raise funds for research and programs to support breast cancer survivors.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide. In New York, the American Cancer Society estimates 17,800 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 2,460 will die of the disease. Nationwide, 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.

People at average risk of developing breast cancer were urged to begin getting screened by age 45.

The American Cancer Society is the nation’s nonprofit leader in the breast cancer fight, putting more than 100 years of cancer-fighting experience to work through investments in breast cancer research, ensuring greater access to quality care, influencing public policy, and providing patient support.

In its 29th year on Long Island, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement embraces a bittersweet mix of purpose – celebrating survivorship and paying meaningful tributes to loved ones lost, while raising awareness and funds for a world without breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society urged the public to get involved, follow the society’s guidelines for breast cancer screening, and support breast cancer research through participation and donations to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.