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Virtually everyone’s life has been affected by breast cancer - directly or indirectly. Almost everyone knows someone who has lost a battle with breast cancer, who is currently being treated for breast cancer, or who has had breast cancer and is now cancer-free. A SURVIVOR!!
For us, at AGA Legal Staffing, this issue is very real and very personal: our beloved Executive Director, Naomi Fang, is a ten-year breast cancer SURVIVOR. And, since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible courage and determination it took for Naomi to vanquish her cancer. We also want to pay tribute to the support network that literally saved Naomi’s life - family, friends, healthcare workers, and a powerful community of breast cancer survivors and advocates.
It’s worth noting that — over the last 60 years — the ten-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer has tripled. Obviously, we haven’t won the fight yet, but we’ve made incredible progress, with even more potent and promising treatments are just around the corner.
Two other important issues about breast cancer also deserve special attention. First, for women of all ages, in every demographic, the likelihood of beating breast cancer is directly tied to early diagnosis and treatment. Routine mammograms are absolutely crucial. But, because of financial and other challenges, too many women do not have access to routine mammogram screening. This is a discrete, identifiable problem we can, should and must address.
Second, breast cancer outcomes are directly linked to race and ethnicity, with minority women being disproportionately impacted. The particular vulnerability of at-risk populations warrants focused, sustained attention and out-reach.
Breast cancer awareness should have a place in every home and, importantly, in every business, too. Working together, we have incredible resources, and beating breast cancer is a fight we can, and will, win.