Conroy calls for study of breast cancer rate

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State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-105), left, stands with Seymour resident Marci White, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, outside a public hearing in Hartford held by the legislature’s Public Health Committee Wednesday on a bill to study the high rate of breast cancer in Connecticut. –CONTRIBUTED
State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-105), left, stands with Seymour resident Marci White, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, outside a public hearing in Hartford held by the legislature’s Public Health Committee Wednesday on a bill to study the high rate of breast cancer in Connecticut. –CONTRIBUTED

HARTFORD — State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-105) has introduced legislation to commission a study of breast cancer rates in Connecticut.

Conroy became aware that the state ranks number two in the country for incidences of breast cancer as board member of Seymour Pink, Inc., according to a release issued by her office.

“As a state, we have done great work in screening and identifying breast cancer, along with having premium health agencies and hospitals that work to treat breast cancer,” said Conroy, a member of the Public Health Committee, in a statement. “However, no real data is available to identify any possible causes, such as environmental, that may be contributing to the high incidence. The next stage in fighting breast cancer needs to be finding out the reason why.”

Conroy’s bill (HB 5728) was the subject of a public hearing Wednesday by the Public Health Committee. Conroy was joined at the public hearing by Seymour resident Marci White, a mother of two young children, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.

In testimony before the committee, White said, “I want to preserve my hometown and protect the next generation. Please help our state learn why we have such a high rate of breast cancer.”