Letter to the Editor - The Millerton News - 3-25-21

Sen. Serino thanks community, urges neighbors to put their health first

I’d like to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of support I’ve received during my own health battle, and I’d like to report that I have  received a clean bill of health at my first follow-up appointment nearly six months after completing treatment for breast cancer.

I continue to be so humbled by the tremendous amount of support I received throughout my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and I cannot thank our community enough. Nothing about a cancer diagnosis is easy, but our community truly went above and beyond to extend encouragement during this time, and I will remain forever grateful. I’m sharing this update once again in hopes that it will inspire others who may be putting off a health screening for any reason, to take a minute today to put their health first. 

My story is one where early detection made all the difference in my treatment and recovery process, and I hope folks will hear it and make the move to schedule — and commit to keeping — their own health screening appointments.

In July 2020, I underwent a lumpectomy after having been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Specifically, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a form of non-invasive breast cancer. While my lumpectomy was successful, the tumor had begun to spread before it was removed, so I went on to undergo four weeks of radiation treatment. I shared the news publicly ahead of my radiation treatments in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining routine health screenings, even during this uncertain time. 

At my follow-up appointment two weeks ago, I underwent a mammogram, which confirmed that I am cancer-free today.

Among New York women, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer. Recognizing the importance of early detection and diagnosis, New York State has a number of resources available to empower residents to access screening and treatment options. To learn more about these services, go to www.ny.gov/programs/get-screened-no-excuses.

Sue Serino

New York State Senator (R-41)

Hyde Park