Governor Signs Proclamation Declaring Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. issued a proclamation declaring the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is second most common form of cancer in women, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an organization created by the U.S. Congress to conduct cancer research and training. The National Cancer Institute projects that 1 of every 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. This means by the end of 2019 – close to 300,000 women will have been diagnosed with the disease. Breast cancer also affects men, and 2,600 men in the United States have been diagnosed with it in 2019.

“This month, Government House has gone pink to raise awareness about breast cancer,” said the governor. “I encourage all women to learn more about how this disease may affect their lives and to take the necessary steps for early detection and prevention. This month we also recommit ourselves to standing by survivors and their families and to supporting worthy organizations working tirelessly to find a cure.”

First lady Yolanda Bryan also is encouraging women to perform regular self-examinations to check for breast cancer.

“We know that early detection is still best way beat breast cancer. You can also lower your risks by living a healthy lifestyle – make nutritious food choices, exercise regularly and try to reduce some of the stressors in your life,” the first lady said. “Albert and I make healthy living a priority in our lives. We urge you to make every new day an even healthier one for you and your family.”