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OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
RICHARD A. MOCCIA
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September 29, 2006
Letter to the Editor
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer for American women. This year the American Cancer Society estimates almost 212,000 new cases of female breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2006 and over 40,000 women will die from the disease. However, it is known that early detection and prompt treatment can reduce breast cancer deaths by one-third in women fifty years and older – a notable reduction in the suffering and deaths caused by this disease.
In responding to this important public health issue, I am joining with mayors across the country to promote National Breast Cancer Month in October and to observe the third Friday in October as National Mammography Day. We are calling upon all in our communities – employers, physicians, churches, clubs, and other organizations – to encourage women of all ages to obtain information about screening and mammography and to seek appropriate services. Our efforts are part of the Mayors’ Campaign Against Breast Cancer, a project of the United States Conference of Mayors and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As in past years, the Mayors’ Campaign is suggesting that cities support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by:
· Emphasizing access to mammography for female city employees.
· Encouraging female city employees over forty to get mammograms.
· Asking all city employees to serve as ambassadors for mammography outreach
in their social circles and the community at large – particularly in the underserved.
· Encouraging eligible uninsured and underinsured women to take advantage
of free mammography. The Witness Project of CT advocates for uninsured women
who qualify and navigates them through various health care providers to secure
a clinical breast exam and a mammogram for no charge. Contact Sandra Fisher,
patient navigator at 203-367-4432, Tuesday - Friday 10- 5 p.m.
Since women comprise approximately half of the employees in the United States, the workplace provides an optimum environment for increasing breast cancer awareness and screening. It is critical that all other employers in Norwalk join with me and similarly involve their employees in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The City of Norwalk is the first municipality in Connecticut to fight the war against cancer by offering municipal employees four hours of paid leave each year to obtain a cancer screening test.
Let me also add that men can be at risk for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006 an estimated 1,720 new cases of male breast cancer will be diagnosed and about 460 men will die of the disease. Men should discuss their risk of breast cancer with their physician, public health officials, and advocacy organizations, and be screened as appropriate.
Very truly yours,
Richard A. Moccia
Mayor
POST OFFICE BOX 5125 °125 EAST AVENUE
NORWALK, CT 06856-5125
°TELEPHONE 203-854-7701 °FAX 203-854-7939
°E-MAIL rmoccia@norwalkct.org
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