On Sept.30, I had the honor of participating in the pre-opening ceremony and dedication of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center in Huntington.

Senator Jay Rockefeller attended the ceremony with me in Huntington and I know that every West Virginian joins me in thoughts and prayers for his wife, Sharon, and his family and countless friends as they move forward determined to restore Mrs. Rockefeller's health.

The organizers of this event could not have picked a better day to celebrate the progress of this state-of the art diagnostic research and treatment center. Not only was the weather warm and the sky blue and full of hope, but the date itself was appropriate in that it marked the end of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the beginning of another month of equal importance-Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

These months take on extra meaning when you realize that one in seven women will have a diagnosis of breast cancer in their lifetime and one in six men will have a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Last year, the American Cancer Society estimated 1,620 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed among women in our state and 1,540 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in men in West Virginia.

I am among these 1,540.

As many of you are aware, I underwent prostate cancer surgery early last year. I am very thankful for all of the West Virginians who contacted me, offering their prayers and support, as I prepared for the surgery, throughout my recovery, and to this day.

I am also truly grateful to the doctors who diagnosed and treated my cancer.

Diagnosis and treatment. That is what these two months are all about. Both prostrate and breast cancer, while disturbingly common, are also highly treatable when detected early. Over the years, a wide array of treatments for these cancers have been developed, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, dietary changes and the use of various herbal supplements.

Screening for these cancers is quick and easy and can often be performed in your physician's office. It's been said time and time again: EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.

In an effort to encourage women to practice early detection, the third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day. Throughout the month, and on this day in particular, many radiologists provide discounted or free screening mammograms. To find a participating facility, call 1800-4-CANCER. I encourage all women to participate.

I also encourage all men to join their wives, their mothers, their daughters and their friends in planning their own appointments for a prostate cancer screenings. Prostrate Cancer Awareness Month might be over, but the practice of detection never ends.

There are approximately 10 million cancer survivors in the United States, with breast cancer and prostate cancer survivors making up the largest percentage of this group. These are encouraging numbers, but because many West Virginians still do not get regular screenings, our State's survival rates remain below national average.

Let's all do our part to change this. Let's do it for ourselves, for our families and for our future. Let's start today.