Breast Cancer Coalition Honors Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and Advocates Year-Round
Rochester, NY – January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to spread awareness and support those impacted by the fourth most common cancer worldwide among people assigned female at birth.[1] The Breast Cancer Coalition is committed to serving individuals in Western and Central New York diagnosed with cervical cancer, along with all types of gynecologic and breast cancers. All services remain free of charge from the point of diagnosis onward.
According to the New York State Cancer Registry and Cancer Statistics, between 2018 – 2022, 6.9 out of 100,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer.[2] Over the past several decades, cervical cancer incidence rates have drastically reduced due to screenings and prevention, yet more than 13,000 individuals in the United States were still expected to be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025.[3]
The Breast Cancer Coalition offers a Gynecologic Cancer Discussion Group on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 4:00 – 5:30 PM in a hybrid setting. Open to anyone who has received a gynecologic cancer diagnosis, this group is professionally facilitated by Martha Neubert, a retired gynecologic oncology social worker.
In addition to discussion groups, the Coalition believes in providing accessible educational resources from regional providers like Rachael B. Turner, MD, PhD, Gynecologic Oncologist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.
“Cervical cancer screening remains the best way to identify those at high risk of cervical cancer, and to intervene early,” says Dr. Turner. “Regular screening with PAP smears saves lives through prevention, and by allowing for early detection of cervical cancer while it is still curable.”
On March 25, Dr. Turner will co-facilitate an Evening Education Webinar with Dr. Ajay Dhakal about accessing clinical trials for breast and gynecologic cancer patients. Coalition webinars are always free and open to the public.
The Coalition is also committed to advocating for legislation that impacts those affected by (or those at risk of developing) cervical or other types of gynecologic cancer. In December, a bill was signed into law that prohibits the sale of menstrual products containing PFAS and other toxins in New York State that have links to certain breast and gynecologic cancers (S.1458/A.1502). Coalition survivor advocates were instrumental in its passage and continue to pursue legislation that will lessen the burden of breast and gynecologic cancers.
Throughout this month and year-round, the Breast Cancer Coalition supports, advocates for, and provides educational resources to those impacted by cervical cancer. To learn more about the Coalition’s services or to get support, visit bccr.org, email info@bccr.org or call (585) 473-8177.
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The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s mission is to cultivate community among those affected by breast or gynecologic cancers; to empower informed decision-making through education, compassionate support, and advocacy; and to advance regional research with an ultimate goal to eradicate breast and gynecologic cancers.
On March 25, Dr. Turner will co-facilitate an Evening Education Webinar with Dr. Ajay Dhakal about
accessing clinical trials for breast and gynecologic cancer patients. Coalition webinars are always
free and open to the public.
The Coalition is also committed to advocating for legislation that impacts those affected by (or those
at risk of developing) cervical or other types of gynecologic cancer. In December, a bill was signed
into law that prohibits the sale of menstrual products containing PFAS and other toxins in New York
State that have links to certain breast and gynecologic cancers (S.1458/A.1502). Coalition survivor
advocates were instrumental in its passage and continue to pursue legislation that will lessen the
burden of breast and gynecologic cancers.
Throughout this month and year-round, the Breast Cancer Coalition supports, advocates for, and
provides educational resources to those impacted by cervical cancer. To learn more about the
Coalition’s services or to get support, visit bccr.org, email info@bccr.org or call (585) 473-8177.