Res. No. 493
Title
Resolution recognizing October, 2002 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of New York.
Body
By Council Members Boyland, Baez, Barron, Clarke, Comrie, Dilan, Felder, Fidler, Foster, Gerson, Gioia, Jackson, Jennings, Lopez, McMahon, Monserrate, Nelson, Quinn, Recchia, Reed, Reyna, Sanders, Seabrook, Sears, Stewart and Vann; also Council Member Perkins
Whereas, According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers; and
Whereas, All women are at risk of developing breast cancer, and that risk increases with factors such as increased age, a family history of breast cancer, and having a first child after the age of 30; and
Whereas, ACS estimates that 203,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women this year, and that 39,600 will die from the disease; and
Whereas, According to ACS, an estimated 1,500 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among men, and of those, 400 will die; and
Whereas, ACS figures also indicate that although white women are slightly more likely to get breast cancer, African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer; and
Whereas, According to ACS, mammography screening is the best known method of early detection; and
Whereas, Early detection of breast cancer can provide patients with a greater chance of survival and more treatment options; and
Whereas, If detected and treated early, breast cancer has a five year survival rate of over 95 percent; and
Whereas, Mammography is extremely valuable because it can identify breast abnormalities that may be cancerous at an early stage before physical symptoms develop; and
Whereas, ACS also recommends that asymptomatic women should have a baseline mammogram by age 40, and that women over 40 should have a screening mammogram every year; and
Whereas, Monthly breast self-examinations and regular clinical examinations by a health care professional are also important components of a breast care program; and
Whereas, During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many mammography facilities offer special programs, including extended hours and lower fees; and
Whereas, Highlighting this very important issue enables more women to become aware of this disease and thus take an active role in ensuring their health, especially by following the guidelines set forth by ACS; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes October, 2002 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of New York.
JP
LS # 1120
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