The month of October is dedicated to recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States.  About 40,460 women will die from the disease this year.  Health centers have been able to help boost the odds of early breast cancer detection by providing affordable and accessible screenings, and launching education and outreach efforts to culturally diverse populations. Last year, Community Health Centers across the country provided nearly 300,000 mammograms to women, resulting in more than 20,000 abnormal findings. Syracuse Community Health Center  (SCHC) in New York is a good example of how health centers go the extra mile to beat breast cancer among the medically underserved. The health center has scheduled a host of outreach events throughout the month of October with an emphasis on breast cancer education, preventive care and early detection, including participation in a symposium sponsored by the American Cancer Society and AstraZeneca, an annual Breast Cancer Walk (October 5), and hosting a Radiology Day on October 7th and 14th. 

Photo: Syracuse Community Health Center honors Breast Cancer Awareness month with a blanket created by the “SCHC Knitting Team.” The blanket has been donated to the American Cancer Society for their blanket raffle.