Dear Editor: October is Breast Cancer awareness month and it is a reminder for all of us to do something. Throughout the month of October, women are encouraged to make mammography appointments. In rare cases, men can also come down with breast cancer.

Some may wonder why a man is writing a letter about breast cancer, which is more common in women, but it affects us all. All the women we love — our mothers, sisters, aunts, wives, daughters, friends — can be affected by this insidious disease.

We are their caregivers and try to care for the ones we love. My wife of 32 years, Eva, goes often for the test, and I know it scares her because breast cancer runs in her family. She has friends who have had this disease and some who have passed away. Each time she goes for the test, I’m afraid to hear the worst and maybe lose the most important person in my life.

But we must remember early detection is the answer. I know that for a fact because I had come down with an aggressive prostate cancer, but due to early detection and an aggressive surgery I am in remission four years later. Now, with new treatment options, mammography screenings do improve a woman’s chance of survival.

Many years ago, I had an aunt who had breast cancer in the 1960’s and had passed away at age 62. But more can be done today and the cure rate is much better today. We all need to get involved and do what we can to fight this insidious disease, like donating to the American Cancer Society which helps woman cope with this disease. A lot of organizations are out there that can also help. There are also runs, walks and other fundraisers that also help. So please volunteer and let’s help end this disease that has affected many women and their families.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village