“You have breast cancer.” Too many Kentuckians have heard those four words, leading to a journey that often involves invasive surgeries, chemotherapy, and a fight for their lives.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to bringing awareness to the disease and promoting prevention and screenings.
This month also provides an opportunity to honor those who have lost their battle with it, and celebrate those who have endured physical, emotional, and mental anguish to survive. With its pink theme, campaigns and programs throughout October work to support people diagnosed with breast cancer, educate about breast cancer risk factors, encourage regular screenings, and fundraise for breast cancer research.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be traced back to a week-long campaign in 1985 that sought to bring awareness to the disease. Soon it became a month-long event, and in 1992, the pink ribbon was introduced.
Breast cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the state, with approximately 4,500 new cases of breast cancer in women. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the commonwealth. However, survival rates have improved, with a five-year relative survival rate of 91.2% across the U.S. for women diagnosed between 2014 and 2020, though this varies depending on the stage at diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to promote screening, including self-exams and mammograms. Earlier this year, the legislature passed two bills aimed at making cancer screenings more accessible. House Bill 115 bans cost-sharing requirements, including deductibles, co-insurance, or copayments, for any medically-necessary covered diagnostic breast exam or supplemental breast exam.
The measure also conforms state law with federal requirements for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams. House Bill 52 requires health benefit plans, Medicaid, self-insured employer group health plans, and the state employee health plan to cover eligible preventive screenings, tests, and procedures performed for the purpose of detecting cancer. In addition, the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program provides free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to eligible women. To find a provider, call 1-844-249-0708.
Without a doubt, early detection through screenings and aggressive treatment are critical, but what can we do to prevent breast cancer? While family history plays a role, lifestyle choices are major contributors. Smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and exposure to chemicals like asbestos and radon all serve as factors. Most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in patients 45 and older, but it is never too early or late to make changes that will lead to overall better health.
People across America feel differently towards the campaign. Some may feel support from the pink merchandise, others feel hope from the focus on funding research, and some don’t feel like the month represents them. The pink serves as a visual reminder of the need for adequate research and treatment options, a greater understanding of breast cancer and how to prevent it, and the support we offer to our fellow Kentuckians who have struggled or are struggling with this disease.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month can serve as an important reminder to educate yourself on breast cancer, research risk factors that may put you or a loved one in danger, and the necessity for being screened as a proactive measure.
While breast cancer is associated with women, men are also susceptible. October 17 to October 23 is designated as Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week as there are projected to be 2,710 men diagnosed with breast cancer in America this year. Lack of awareness can be a barrier in detection and care. Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed on October 13, recognizing the 30% of early-stage breast cancers that eventually metastasize (spread), and prompting the need for further research.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Samara.Heavrin@kylegislature.gov. You can also keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky legislature’s home page at legislature.ky.gov.
By Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield
