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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2021 AS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness and public knowledge of this disease, especially the importance of early detection of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, more than 281,550 women and approximately 2,650 men are diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation; and
WHEREAS, at this time there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States which includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment; and
WHEREAS, for women in the United States, breast cancer death is the second leading cause of cancer death, rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, breast cancer became the most common cancer globally as of 2021, accounting for 12% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization; and
WHEREAS, the chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 1 in 39 (about 2.6%); and
WHEREAS, as a result of early breast cancer detection through mammogram screenings and increased awareness lead to the death rate decreased from 2013 to 2018 by 1%; and
WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society estimates that 43,600 women and 530 men will die from breast cancer in 2021; and
WHEREAS, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the projected female breast cancer incidence for Cook County from 2018-2022 is 21,130 (5-year count) with an average annual count of 4,225; and
WHEREAS, African American women face both disproportionate exposure to breast carcinogens and the highest risk of serious health impacts from the disease, and in women under 45, breast cancer is more common in black women than white women, and overall, black women are more likely to die of breast cancer with African American women having a 31% breast cancer mortality rate - the highest of any U.S. racial or ethnic group; and
WHEREAS, a woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, mammography screenings are still important during the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to promote breast cancer screenings and overcome barriers to healthcare access for populations with low screening rate must be at the forefront of our focus; 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 Cook County Board President and Members of the Board of Commissioners do continue to increase awareness on Breast Cancer in Cook County; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body.
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