It is involved for the same reason the city employs crossing guards: one of the city’s charges is to watch out for the health and safety of its citizens.  Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer for women.  The U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion reports that 1 in every 8 women will get breast cancer at some point.  But generally speaking, it is frequently survived if it is detected and treated early.  Education and screening are our best defenses against this disease.

If cost is a concern, the Utah Cancer Control Program may be able to help; it offers screenings to women age 40-64 who are low income, uninsured or underinsured.  http://www.cancerutah.org.

The Mayor and City Council recently proclaimed that October 1 is Syracuse City Breast Cancer Awareness Day.  Their aim is to get people talking about breast cancer.  Do you care about a woman over 40?  Don’t be shy about asking whether they’ve gotten a cancer screening.  If they haven’t, educate them on the dangers of going without one.  You just might save her life.

Submit community questions to proberts@syracuseut.com.