The City of Troy Public Relations and Tourism Department hosted a noontime reception in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The reception was a way for the City of Troy to bring greater awareness to breast cancer and to celebrate with those who are breast cancer survivors.

Shelia Jackson, PR and Tourism director, and her staff welcomed a large gathering of townspeople, city employees and participants of the Colley Senior Complex and “especially” those who are breast cancer survivors.

“Several breast cancer survivors shared their inspiring stories and also brought greater awareness to breast cancer,” Jackson said. “There are very few people here in Troy – friends and neighbors – whose lives have not been affected, directly or indirectly, by cancer. And, that’s probably true of any town or community.”

The month of October is designated as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” across the nation and Jackson said the City of Troy, wanted to bring awareness to the fact that, in the United States, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

“Breast cancer attacks more women worldwide today than any other kind of cancer and that includes skin cancers,” Jackson said. “That alone brings great awareness the number of women who are affected and to why it is so important for women to have annual checkups and mammograms.”

And although it is not talked about or maybe even recognized, breast cancer also occurs in men. And the number of men with breast cancer is increasing and at a fast rate.

Jackson said the breast cancer statistics are alarming but there are also many stories of those who have survived and who are remaining cancer free. Much is being done through awareness of the potentially deadly disease and research and treatments and many lives are being saved.

“It is very encouraging to hear stories from those who have survived breast cancer,” Jackson said. “We greatly appreciate those at the reception who shared their stories with us, Regina Foster, Doristine Sankey, Betty Minton and Felicia Darby. We celebrate every victory over cancer and honor those survivors.”