At State Capitol: Raising Awareness About Breast Cancer

Rep. Jesse MacLachlan, Gerry Campion, Margaret Campion and Sen. Art Linares.

Clinton residents Gerry and Margaret Campion of Clinton travelled to the State Capitol complex in Hartford on Feb. 25 to testify in favor of a bill which aims to create greater awareness among Connecticut’s population that males may also be diagnosed with breast cancer. The proposed legislation would designate the third week in October as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

The Campions, who are breast cancer survivors, received the support of Sen. Art Linares and Rep. Jesse MacLachlan.

“While many of us are aware that October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness, not as many know that 1% of breast cancer diagnoses occur in men,” Sen. Linares said. “This legislation will recognize and support male patients and their families who are meeting the challenges of the disease.”

“By spreading awareness of male breast cancer, we can encourage men to take symptoms seriously, and urge screening from a medical professional,” Rep. MacLachlan said. “Early detection will in turn save lives.”

Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week began in 2009 due to the efforts of several male breast cancer organizations, including Out of the Shadow of Pink. This week has already been officially declared in several states including Pennsylvania (2010), Florida (2011), New Jersey (2012), and Massachusetts (2012).

Sen. Linares represents Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

Rep. MacLachlan represents Clinton, Killingworth and Westbrook.