This information is provided by the office of 28th District State Sen. Joey Hensley, MD, R-Hohenwald, who represents Giles, Lewis, Marshall, Maury and part of Williamson counties.
Every October, our nation is painted in various shades of pink as we collectively observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
It is a time to gather to raise awareness about breast cancer, support those affected by it, and emphasize the importance of early detection and research.
Beyond ribbons and pink products, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month carries profound significance in the fight against this deadly disease. As the most common cancer among women worldwide, early detection of breast cancer is crucial.
That’s why in the General Assembly, over the years, we have made it easier for women to get breast exams. This year, the General Assembly passed legislation that helps increase access to medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging - procedures necessary to rule out breast cancer or to diagnose it sooner and help save lives.
The legislation eliminates the burdensome out-of-pocket cost on patients for these services. Without financial assistance, many women will delay or forego recommended breast imaging tests.
This delay can mean patients will not seek care until cancer has spread, making it much deadlier and costlier to treat.
Breast cancer can be up to five times more expensive to treat when it has spread to other parts of the body and every month of delay raises the risk of death by 10%. Breast cancer awareness saves lives. In early stages, the disease is highly treatable. However, late-stage diagnosis can lead to a more aggressive and difficult-to-treat form of the disease. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month plays a pivotal role in educating women and men about the importance of regular breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms.
It empowers individuals to take charge of their health and catch potential issues in early, more manageable stages. It's important to acknowledge progress in breast cancer research and treatment.
Thanks to ongoing research, survival rates for breast cancer have steadily improved over the years.
Early detection techniques have become more sophisticated, and personalized treatment plans have become the norm.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrates these accomplishments while emphasizing the need for continued research to find a cure and further improve lives of those affected. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just a month of wearing pink ribbons; it is a powerful and necessary campaign that touches millions.
Breast cancer does not discriminate, and everyone feels its impact.
Dedicating an entire month to raising awareness and working towards a cure is a cause worthy of attention, support, and dedication year after year.
Together, we can continue making strides in the fight against breast cancer. Sen. Hensley may be contacted at 425 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Suite 742, Nashville, TN., 37243, or call 615-741-3100, call toll free 1-800-449-8366 extension 13100, or fax 615-253-0231.
His district address is 855 Summertown Highway, Hohenwald, TN., 38462. His telephone number is 931-796,2018, his cell phone number is 931-212-8823 and e-mail is sen. joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov
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