Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) and Teamsters’ Local Union 404 are excited to partner together with the goal of raising breast cancer awareness in Berkshire County. Throughout the month of October, BRTA Union Bus Operators and other employees will be wearing pink safety vests to draw attention to this disease and the ongoing struggle to find a cure.
According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, it is expected that more 290,000 women and 2,700 men will be diagnosed with various stages breast cancer in 2022. In 2020, more than 2.3 million women and men were diagnosed with the disease worldwide. When individual cases can be detected early through regular exams, impactful research, and general awareness campaigns promoted by many organizations such as Breast Cancer Research Foundation, breast cancer survivorship rates among all patients have reached about 99%. (source: www.bcrf.org/breats-cancer-statistics-and-resources)
This October, BRTA and Teamsters’ Local Union 404 are encouraging everyone to schedule their annual breast exam, to conduct self-examinations, and to engage in many other positive behaviors that have been demonstrated to dramatically increase the likelihood of prevention or early detection; such as limiting alcohol consumption, regular daily exercise, knowing your personal family history of cancers or other diseases, and regularly discussing any health concerns with your physician.
Please join BRTA and Teamsters’ Local Union 404 in raising awareness of this devastating disease, early detection and prevention methods, and organizations dedicated to developing a cure. Local and national breast cancer awareness, prevention, research, and survivor assistance resources include:
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation : www.bcrf.org
- American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/about-us/local/massachusetts.html
- Breast Cancer.org: www.breastcancer.org
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: www.lbbc.org
- National Breast Cancer Foundation: www.nationalbreastcancer.org
- Young Survival Coalition: www.youngsurvival.org