KANKAKEE – With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, House Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) is promoting early detection of breast cancer and screenings for women and men. According to the Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan for 2022 to 2027, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in Illinois.
“Many of us have known or know someone who has breast cancer,” said Leader Haas. “This terrible disease has claimed too many lives of both women and men, and screenings are critical to detecting cancer early on. We can spread the word to our friends and add it to our conversations to ensure all women are taking these steps to screen for breast cancer.”
The primary risk factors for breast cancer include being a woman and of an older age. Women have a higher risk for breast cancer if they have a family history of breast cancer or have inherited changes in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, among other factors. Screening for breast cancer is recommended for women ages 40 to 74 years old: a mammogram or breast MRI with mammograms. Other exams include a clinical breast exam from a doctor and a breast self-exam.
Additional information on breast cancer prevention, risk factors, treatment, and more can be found at nationalbreastcancer.org. Leader Haas is the House Republican Spokesperson of the Health Care Availability & Access and chairs the House Supporting Women & Families working group.