There have been great strides in the fight against breast cancer in recent decades — the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation notes a 40% decline in breast cancer-related deaths between 1989 and 2016 — and early detection has been cited as one of the primary drivers for this remarkable improvement. As such, Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes on an even greater significance as it helps bring much-needed awareness to one of the nation’s most prominent public health challenges.

Here in New York, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers as it impacts close to 16,700 women each year, notes the State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Data shows one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life.

Thankfully, there are many great organizations working to combat breast cancer through early detection, free screenings and support for families going through a diagnosis. Here, close to home, I am especially proud of the work the Cancer Services Program of the North Country is doing to support counties in the region. The program, which is managed by Oswego County Opportunities, helps uninsured women as young as 40 and up to the age of 64 access breast and cervical cancer screenings. These services are critical to ensuring everyone, no matter what financial and economic situation they might be in, has access to critical, life-saving care, and they align with American Cancer Society recommendations calling for screenings for women 45 or younger, depending on individual circumstances.

According to information from the NYSDOH, the causes of breast cancer are difficult to determine, but there is some consensus on certain risk factors associated with age, family history, hormones, personal behavior and others. Should you have any questions about these risk factors, it is advisable to seek medical advice immediately.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month offers us all an important reminder to think about how we can help fight this terrible disease. Information is critical, and sometimes a simple conversation is all it takes to stop cancer in its tracks. I am extremely proud of the work we have done here in New York and in our upstate communities to those ends, and I sincerely hope to see that great work continued in the coming months and years.