title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2023 AS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH AND OCTOBER 13 AS METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY
WHEREAS, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held in October every year, aims to increase public knowledge of this disease, and promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects one in eight women in the United States every year and 2.3 million women worldwide; and
WHEREAS, known best for its pink theme color, the month features campaigns and programs aimed at: supporting people diagnosed with breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer; educating people about breast cancer risk factors; stressing the importance of regular screening, starting at age 40 or an age that’s appropriate for each person’s personal breast cancer risk; and fundraising for breast cancer research; and
WHEREAS, although breast cancer is much more common in women, more than 281,550 women are diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer each year, breast cancer affects men, too. In 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden designated October 17 to October 23 Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. About 2,710 American men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and about 530 are expected to die from the disease; a man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 833. Lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care. Some men, trans men, and non-binary people choose to call their cancer chest cancer; and
WHEREAS, October 13 is nationally recognized in the United States as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and is intended to drive awareness of the need for more research about metastatic disease. About 30% of early-stage breast cancers eventually metastasize, spreading to parts of the body away from the breast; and
WHEREAS, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Black women are most likely to die from breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group. About 1 in 5 Black women is diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, more than any other racial or ethnic group. About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations; and
WHEREAS, there are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States which includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment; and
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms; and
WHEREAS, as a result of early breast cancer detection through mammogram screenings and increased awareness the death rate decreased from 2013 to 2018 by 1%; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families; recognizes the courage and strength of the individuals who are battling this terrible disease; and remembers loved ones whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize October 2023 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and October 13 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, and wish to lend their most steadfast support for the Cook County residents impacted by breast cancer, and join in the effort to spread awareness of the benefits of early detection; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this honorable body.
end