BREWSTER, NY—October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, not just in the U.S., but around the world. It is the most common cancer for women, and the American Cancer Society predicts more than 300,000 new cases will be found in the U.S. in 2025. Men are not exempt from this disease, although their case numbers are dramatically fewer. Less than 3,000 cases are expected in men in the U.S. this year. 

“Raising awareness and screening for cancer, multiple types of cancer, saves lives. It’s really that simple,” explains Health Director Rian Rodriguez, MPH. “It is why in part the death rates from breast and prostate cancer—the most common cancer in men—remain lower than other types. Effective screenings exist, and early detection and treatment improve treatment outcomes.” 

Colorectal cancer, which appears in the colon and rectum of both men and women, is the most common form of digestive system cancer. This group of diseases is second in prevalence to breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Treatment for colon cancer is much more effective if the disease is found early through a regular screening. That is why the New York State Cancer Services Program and various workplace wellness programs are designed—to encourage individuals to take a proactive approach to their health and get screened. The state program provides breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings at no cost to individuals who qualify. Employee-wellness programs and healthcare insurance programs also support health by encouraging these screenings.

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne continues to support employee health by making employee well-being a focus of his administration. Said Byrne, “In my proposed Executive Budget we are lowering the cost of employee health insurance, and we also provide paid time off specifically for cancer screenings. We encourage our employees to take advantage of this preventive-care opportunity and stress the importance of routine screenings. Insurance coverage and paid time off work in tandem. A healthy and productive workforce is good for employees, communities, and businesses alike.”

For uninsured or underinsured individuals, the NYS Cancer Services Program can be a lifeline. To qualify one must live in New York State and meet the age and income requirements. The program can also help with follow-up testing for abnormal screening results and access to treatment through the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program, as well as other support services. For more information, call 1-866-442-CANCER, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The call is free. Information is also available online at the NYS Cancer Services website.

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) through 2029, serves a community composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services are provided through a lens of equity, and include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit the County website at www.putnamcountyny.gov, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY.

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Resources:

NYS Department of Health—Cancer Services Program https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/0319/

How Workplace Wellness Programs Can Give Employees the Energy Boost They Need https://www.library.hbs.edu/working-knowledge/employee-wellness-programs

American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2025 | American Cancer Society                            Report available here: Cancer Facts & Figures 2025