Westchester Reporter

The Westchester County Department of Health and the Westchester County Office for Women are urging residents to prioritize cancer screenings and prevention strategies with their healthcare providers during September, which is Gynecologic and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler emphasized the importance of early detection: “Cancer screenings can save your life. Ask your doctor which preventive cancer screenings are right for you given your risk factors and family history, and learn ways to reduce your risks through lifestyle changes.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, and it was the second leading cause of cancer death in men in 2022. The CDC notes that African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and are twice as likely to die from it. Additionally, ovarian cancer was identified as the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women in 2022.

Robi Schlaff, Director of the Westchester County Office for Women, highlighted the significance of regular screenings: “We strongly encourage regular screenings for breast and gynecological cancers. Some cancers can be present with few or no symptoms. If you do experience unusual symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early detection is key to the many new treatments now available for these illnesses.”

Screening options include a Pap test for cervical cancer and an HPV test where appropriate. Men aged 55 to 69 should consult their doctors about whether a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is advisable. The HPV vaccine prevents transmission of Human Papillomavirus, which causes six types of cancer including cervical and genital cancers in both males and females as well as oropharyngeal cancer.

Free HPV vaccines are available at vaccination clinics in White Plains and Yonkers for eligible adults and children starting at age nine. For more information on eligibility, call 914-995-5800.

The following steps are recommended by the Westchester County Health Department to reduce overall health risks:

Upcoming events include various support groups facilitated by professionals via Zoom:

- Sept. 3 at 4 p.m.: Cancer Support Team’s After Treatment Support Group.

- Sept. 4 at 4 p.m.: Cancer Support Team’s Ovarian Cancer Support Group.

- Sept. 10 at noon: Support Connection’s Small Panel Presentation for Women of Color.

- Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.: Cancer Support Team’s Anxiety and Cancer Support Group.

- Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.: Northwell Northern Westchester Hospital Cancer Institute’s Living with Cancer Support Group.

- Sept. 18 at 1 p.m.: Northwell Phelps Hospital’s Nutrition for Cancer Survivors event.

- Sept. 20 at noon: Northwell’s Jane Ades Gynecological Cancer Symposium on endometrial cancer.

- Sept. 23 at 3 p.m.: Northwell Phelps Hospital’s Cancer and Family Support Group.

- Sept.25 at noon: Frankly Speaking about Prostate Cancer workshop by Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT.

Additionally, breast cancer screening information will be provided on Sept.29 by White Plains Hospital, Breast Cancer Alliance, and MaxMara at The Westchester Mall.

For further health tips and resources related to cancer prevention, visit www.westchestergov.com/health or contact the Health Department directly at (914)813-5000.

Residents can also subscribe to My Westchester e-mail newsletter for weekly updates on selected events.