Countless families continue their support this month for breast cancer research. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 232,340 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during 2013. An additional 64,640 women will be told they have an early form of breast cancer. And an estimated 39,620 women will lose the battle with this devastating disease.

Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed form of cancer in women, while the top cancer diagnoses are skins cancers. Breast cancer is the second highest in cancer mortality rates for women. The highest is lung cancer. However, incidence rates have been declining since 2000. With increasing support and research, and there are more than 2.8 million survivors in this country.

Since 1985, October has been designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The aim is to inform the public that early detection via mammogram is, and continues to be, the most effective weapon against breast cancer. During this time, national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies work to promote breast cancer awareness, share information, and provide greater access to screening services.

This crusade for awareness continues with the pink ribbon as the symbol for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Through the month of October, you’ll find the pink ribbon proudly displayed across your community. In both grocery and department stores, the pink ribbon is highlighted on many different products, noting that some portion of each sale of these particular items will go toward cancer research.

The topic of breast cancer awareness is of great importance to me. My mother, Loneta, lost her battle with the disease in 1990. I wish that no other family need suffer that loss. As a legislator, I will continue to support and promote measures within the Missouri General Assembly that will work to further awareness, provide treatment of this unbiased thief, and promote the most up-to-date procedures.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.