Have you noticed the pink apparel, advertisements and
especially ribbons that are appearing all over the West Side of Buffalo?
That’s
because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. During the next
couple of weeks, residents will be noticing more advertisements reminding women
to receive routine screenings for breast cancer.
Ann
Raderman, director of the Buffalo Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society, said
the organization's holds community awareness clinics where they work with
providers in community centers all over the West Side. The materials are there
to educate West Side residents to get their screenings, what you should be
looking for, diet and nutrition, which are always important, and exercise.
“Its
very important, women need to get their mammograms, its life saving,” said
Raderman, who is also a breast cancer survivor of 15 years.
Some
West Side residents who may not be able to afford the cancer screenings,
whether underinsured, uninsured or those not technically at-risk, may still be
able to utilize these services.
“If
a women, no matter what her income, is unable to pay for her mammogram, we will
provide services for her,” said Lisa Napier, outreach manager of the Cancer
Services Program of Erie County.
The
Erie County Cancer Services Program is a state funded Department of Health
organization. For more information on these services in the west side, you can
visit Buffalo Hope Lodge at 197 Summer St. or can call 886-9201. By Joe Losito and Mhairi Moorhead
