Get a mammogram this October

As October 2010 gets started people all over the world are bringing awareness to a disease that claims the lives of thousands of women each year – breast cancer. October is National Breast Cancer Month and this year over 192,370 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States.

Early diagnosis, regular self-examinations and mammograms have saved literally thousands of lives. Every October of each year we focus on what is still a very deadly disease that is still a killer.

I am urging all women 40 years and over to do at least one mammogram a year. It can save your life.

An estimated 40,170 women died from the disease in 2009 alone. These numbers are staggering. National Breast Cancer Awareness month is celebrating its 26th year of spreading education about this terrible disease.

Though many strides have been taken in the treatment and awareness of breast cancer, there still remains so much more to be done.

On Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, my office, in conjunction with the American Italian Cancer Foundation, and Sunrise Adult Day Health Care Center will be offering NO-COST mammography screenings via the mobile mammography program to women 40 years of age and older.

Mammography screening will be available for women who have not had a mammogram within the past year. This screening program is offered to women with or without health insurance coverage.

An appointment is necessary. Please call: 1-800-453-8378 ext. 1

The mobile mammography van will be parked in front of Sunrise Adult Day Health Care Center located at, 9517 Ave. J, at the corner of East 96th Street starting at, 9:00 a.m. For information please call (718) 649-7653.

If you would like any more information about how to help, or if you just want to know more about breast cancer, please visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website, www.NBCAM.org.

This is a year-round site designed to help anyone who may have questions about early detection, symptoms, treatments, or how to get involved.

Remember: Early diagnosis, breast exams and mammograms will save thousands of lives.

Sen. Sampson is the majority leader in the New York State Senate.