National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October marks the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which provides us with the opportunity to increase awareness, share stories and help educate others about breast cancer. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. That means one in eight women in your life - a family member, neighbor or co-worker - has been or will be diagnosed.
This month is a time of remembrance for those we have lost, celebration for those who have survived and hope for those who will one day battle with breast cancer. As we continue the fight, I stand with our communities to ensure women across Colorado can get the help and treatment they need to beat this terrible disease.
Although we have made major strides in breast cancer prevention and treatment, there is a long road ahead to tackling a disease that has taken the lives of so many friends and loved ones. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law in March 2010, has started to pave the way toward helping women receive the health care they need without facing gender-based discriminatory practices from their insurance providers. Not only has the ACA helped make breast cancer detection and preventive treatment more accessible, but as treatments for breast cancer improve over time, it also can help increase the overall survival rate.
Also, as a result of the ACA, nearly 700,000 Colorado women will no longer have lifetime limits on their health coverage, which means they won't run into an insurance ceiling on accessing services if they are diagnosed with breast cancer. And beginning in 2014, breast cancer survivors will no longer be denied health insurance since the law prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
The pink ribbon that has represented breast cancer since the early 1990s is a visible reminder of the impact breast cancer has on our families and our communities. It is also a symbol of our commitment to ending the spread of this disease.
I encourage Coloradans of all ages to educate themselves about breast health and the latest research developments, and to schedule routine screenings. Early detection is crucial to ensuring our loved ones can survive a breast cancer diagnosis.
This month gives us all a chance to participate and volunteer in such a powerful movement. To learn more about breast cancer awareness, prevention and opportunities during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast.
Warm regards,
