22News making effort to raise breast cancer awareness

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - All of us at 22News are wearing pink Monday in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We hope to recognize this important cause, which impacts so many people.

More than a quarter of a million women were diagnosed with breast cancer last year. It's the most common cancer among women; accounting for one in three women being diagnosed with cancer.

Researchers say the risk for breast cancer increases with age.

People 22News spoke with say that everyone is affected by this disease.

“My mom had two bouts it, she had unfortunately passed away. But because of her having breast cancer, I do the Rays of Hope walk,” Mackenzie Jennings of Springfield said.

The 19th annual Rays of Hope walk steps-off this Sunday in Greenfield and Springfield. For starting times and locations, you can visit foundation.baystatehealth.org

Doctor Thomas Johnson, a surgeon at Wing Memorial Hospital in Palmer answered your submitted questions about breast cancer concerns. Watch video to hear his answers on the following questions.

1. Does breastfeeding lower your risk for breast cancer?
2. How many cases of male breast cancer do you treat in a year?
3. An article about a new study on an anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib, may help fight breast cancer. Can this potentially lead to a cure?