Breast Cancer Documentary Premieres in Suffolk County
By Emilie Schneider
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Suffolk County
Commissioner, Environment & Energy, Carrie Meek-Gallagher;
Film producer, Sabrina McCormick; PhD, Cancer Awareness,
Department of Environment & Energy, Amy Juchatz,
MPH. |
A raw and rare documentary film
focusing on a local woman’s journey after a breast
cancer diagnosis recently premiered in Suffolk County
during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“No Family History”
is a breath of fresh air for many breast cancer advocates
because the film focuses on precaution and prevention
instead of searching only for a cure. The film also reveals
that genetics plays a small role in a breast cancer diagnosis.
“Only 5 percent of the causes of breast cancer are
attributed to genetic factors, contrary to what has been
the focus in the past,” said Karen Miller, president
and founder of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition.
“We were told that unless breast cancer ran in the
family, there was no need to be concerned, “No Family
History” dispels those myths.”
Now more than ever there is
an increase in information about the synergistic effects
of the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink
and the products we utilize in and around the house that
contribute to the epidemic proportions of the incidences
of breast cancer, Miller added.
She said is most grateful to
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, who hosted the film,
for his tireless support in forming the Suffolk County
Cancer Awareness Task Force and providing the resources
to create the Home Product Checklist to promote healthy
homes.
The Suffolk County Cancer Awareness
Task Force is an effort to educate residents about methods
of prevention and to expand cancer services in the area.
“Levy put his muscle behind premiering the film
here,” Miller said. “It is the real view of
cancer and how it affects a family and why together as
a community including doctors, researchers, neighbors
and policy makers must work together to reduce our toxic
exposures that contribute to disease.”
Levy wanted to use the premiere
to launch Suffolk County’s cancer prevention strategy
because the film explores factors other than family history
that can be responsible for the high incidence of breast
cancer on Long Island, said Michele Crosby from the Office
of Cancer Awareness and Environmental Assessment.
“They were trying to get
the message across about prevention through lifestyle
changes,” she added.
Director and producer Sabrina
McCormick hopes those who watched the film walked away
knowing it was the truth.
“I think there is growing
awareness of the environment’s link to breast cancer,
but I think it is a very tough sell to the general public
who has been taught to believe that a cure is the most
important thing,” she said.
The Huntington Breast Cancer
Action Coalition has been one of the leaders in the prevention
and precaution movement. Check out our websites www.hbcac.org,
www.preventionisthecure.org and www.ribbet.org. If you
want to help us continue to spread the word please contact
(631) 547-1518. Together we can make a difference.
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Bob DiBenedetto, President, HealthyPlanet,
Karen Miller, HBCAC and Robert Meinke, Greener Country.
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Outreach display
of “Look Before You LEAP” educational
materials were showcased during the reception held
before film screening. |
