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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COOK COUNTY RECOGNIZES OCTOBER 2026 AS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign dedicated to increasing public awareness of breast cancer and emphasizing the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis, treatment, and access to care; and
WHEREAS, breast cancer is a significant global public health concern, affecting millions of individuals each year, and is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in breast tissue; and
WHEREAS, although breast cancer predominantly affects women, men can also develop the disease and face significant health risks; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, approximately one in eight women and one in 726 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 321,910 women and 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026, in addition to approximately 60,730 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer, and is the leading cause of cancer-related death among Hispanic/Latina women; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, half of all women in the United States diagnosed with breast cancer are age 62 or younger, approximately 10% of new breast cancer cases occur in women younger than 45, and individuals diagnosed before age 35 face a greater risk of recurrence, underscoring the importance of breast cancer awareness, timely medical evaluation, continued monitoring, appropriate follow-up care, and research into the unique needs of younger patients; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 42,140 women in the United States are projected to die from breast cancer in 2026, and, on average, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with the disease approximately every two minutes; and
WHEREAS, despite these sobering statistics, more than four million breast cancer survivors are living in the United States, reflecting advances in research, treatment, and early detection; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Cancer Society, the breast cancer death rate among women in the United States declined by 44% from its peak in 1989 through 2022, resulting in nearly 518,000 fewer deaths than would have occurred had death rates remained unchanged; and
WHEREAS, approximately 66 % of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, before the cancer has spread beyond the breast, when treatment is generally more effective; and
WHEREAS, early detection through regular screenings, clinical examinations, and timely follow-up care can lead to better treatment outcomes and improved chances of survival, with more than 99% of individuals diagnosed with localized breast cancer surviving at least five years; and
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer have the option to begin annual mammography screening at age 40, with women ages 45 to 54 advised to receive annual mammograms and women age 55 and older able to transition to biennial screening or continue annual screening, underscoring the importance of informed screening decisions and access to preventive care; and
WHEREAS, approximately 40 million screening mammograms are performed annually in the United States, along with an estimated 1.7 million diagnostic mammograms, demonstrating the important role of breast imaging in detection and diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, breast cancer risk is influenced by several factors, including age and family history, and a woman's risk is nearly doubled if she has a first-degree relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, who has been diagnosed with the disease; and
WHEREAS, significant racial and ethnic disparities persist in breast cancer incidence, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, reflecting the need to address barriers to screening, timely diagnosis, and equitable access to quality care; and
WHEREAS, one in five Black women with breast cancer are diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer-a subtype that is more aggressive and harder to treat-at a higher rate than any other racial or ethnic group; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic/Latina women are more likely than White women to be diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages, when treatment may be more complex and outcomes less favorable; and
WHEREAS, according to data from the American Cancer Society, Asian American and Pacific Islander women are experiencing the fastest increases in breast cancer incidence, with annual increases of approximately 2.5% among women younger than 50 and 2.7% among women age 50 and older; and
WHEREAS, breast cancer awareness, education, research, equitable access to screening and treatment, and continued support for patients and survivors are essential to reducing disparities, improving outcomes, and saving lives; and
WHEREAS, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cook County joins communities across the nation in honoring breast cancer survivors, remembering those who have lost their lives to the disease, supporting individuals currently undergoing treatment and their loved ones, and advocating for accessible health education, screening, and treatment resources;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes and honors all individuals affected by breast cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers, and their families; acknowledges their courage, strength, and resilience; and solemnly remembers those whose lives have been lost to the disease; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims October 2026 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Cook County and reaffirms its commitment to promoting breast cancer awareness, advancing equitable access to screening and treatment, supporting patients and survivors, and encouraging continued education and research to improve outcomes for all individuals affected by breast cancer.
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