As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, it’s a vital time to promote awareness, share resources, and encourage action to reduce the impact of breast cancer. We at Housatonic Valley Health District (HVHD) are committed to supporting our community with the latest information and local opportunities for engagement.
CDC United States Cancer Statistics Dashboard: Focus on Connecticut
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in Connecticut. We encourage you to explore the CDC’s United States Cancer Statistics Dashboard, which provides valuable insights into breast cancer rates, prevention, and trends at the national, state level, and beyond.
Access CDC’s United States Cancer Statistics Dashboard here.
Between 2017 and 2021, there were 16,965 new cases of breast cancer among women in Connecticut. This means that for every 100,000 women, 143 were diagnosed with breast cancer. From 2018 to 2022, 2,221 women died from breast cancer in the state, which is about 17 deaths for every 100,000 women.
CDC United States Cancer Statistics Dashboard: Focus on Litchfield County, CT
In Litchfield County, where towns such as New Milford, Sharon, Washington and Woodbury are located. From 2017 to 2021, about 152 out of every 100,000 women reported having breast cancer each year. This is compared to Connecticut’s 143.1 rate per 100,000 women that reported having Female Breast cancer. A total of 1,040 new cases were reported. Breast cancer is more common in white, non-Hispanic women in Litchfield County, with 152.6 cases per 100,000 women, compared to other groups.
CDC United States Cancer Statistics Dashboard: Focus on Litchfield County, CT
In New Haven County, where towns such as Oxford and Southbury are located. From 2017 to 2021, about 138 out of every 100,000 women reported having breast cancer each year. This is compared to Connecticut’s 143.1 rate per 100,000 women that reported having Female Breast cancer. A total of 3,932 new cases were reported. Breast cancer is more common in white, non-Hispanic women in New Haven County, with 143.6 cases per 100,000 women, compared to Black, non-Hispanic women, who have 132.9 cases per 100,000 women.
Breast Cancer Resources
Here are some key resources to support education, prevention, and early detection:
Regular screenings and early detection can make all the difference in treatment outcomes. Please share these resources with your networks to help spread awareness.
Upcoming HVHD Events – Breast Cancer
This month, HVHD is hosting a number of events focused on health and wellness, including opportunities for screenings and health education:
- Breast Cancer in People Over the Age of 70 with Dr. Wolchok Date: October 9th Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am Location: New Milford Senior Center Description: Dr. Wolchok will talk about screenings in women over age 70 and what treatment options are available if breast cancer is found.She will also talk about how to maintain a healthy, active and independent life.
- Breast Health During your Golden Years with Dr. Anderson and Dr. Aiello Date: October 10th Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: Southbury Senior Center Description: Breast cancer screening guidelines and recommendations for women over 70
- Breast Health with Dr. Wolchok Date: October 24th Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Location: New Milford Public Library Description: Curious about when to start screenings for breast cancer and how frequently you need them? Wondering what to do if you have breast pain or a family history of breast cancer? Dr. Wolchok looks forward to answering all these questions and more!
Stay connected with us for more updates, and thank you for being part of the effort to raise breast cancer awareness in our community.
*HVHD’s community-specific events are developed as a result of ongoing partnerships with local organizations in each community. If you see an event organized for a neighboring community that you would like to bring to your own town, please complete this form.
Other Upcoming HVHD Events
We are committed to keeping our community safe. Visit www.hvhdct.gov/events to learn more about HVHD’s upcoming events and clinics:
- Public Flu Vaccine Clinic – Southbury Office Date: October 1, 15 Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location: Southbury Office (77 Main Street N, Playhouse Corner Suite 205, Southbury, CT 06488)
- Public Flu Vaccine Clinic – Southbury Office Date: October 22, 29 Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Location: Southbury Office (77 Main Street N, Playhouse Corner Suite 205, Southbury, CT 06488)
- Public Flu Vaccine Clinic – New Milford Clinic Location Date: October 2, 16 Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm Location: John Pettibone Community Center (2 Pickett District Road, New Milford, CT 06776)
- Saturday Public Flu Vaccine Clinic – Oxford Date: October 5 Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: Oxford High School (61 Quaker Farms Rd, Oxford, CT 06478)
- Saturday Public Flu Vaccine Clinic – Southbury Date: October 12 Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: Pomperaug High School (234 Judd Rd, Southbury, CT 06488)
- Saturday Public Flu Vaccine Clinic – New Milford Date: October 19 Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Location: John Pettibone Community Center (2 Pickett District Road, New Milford, CT 06776)
- Public Flu Vaccine Clinic – New Milford Food Pantry Date: October 24 Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: John Pettibone Community Center (2 Pickett District Road, New Milford, CT 06776)Click here to learn more and to schedule an appointment.Â
We encourage you to explore the HVHD dashboards to gain more insights into our community’s health. Your feedback is invaluable—please share your thoughts and suggestions with us via our feedback survey. Additionally, consider participating in local health programs and events designed to foster a healthier community.
