Council Proclaims October ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ In Los Alamos County

WHEREAS, the New Mexico Department of Health reports that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the state, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico has one of the lowest breast cancer rates in the nation, with 114 cases per 100,000 people; and

WHEREAS, minority groups bear a disproportionate cancer burden because of factors such as poverty, being uninsured or underinsured, and a lack of access to early detection services and high-quality treatment; and

WHEREAS, when caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99%; and

WHEREAS, advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years, and there are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States; and

WHEREAS, funding for research, public education about symptoms, insurance coverage for diagnostic testing, early detection, and affordable treatments are the keys to fighting breast cancer.

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim the Month of October 2024 as

"Breast Cancer Awareness Month"

in Los Alamos County and encourage our community to become educated about the early warning signs and causes of breast cancer and its effective treatment.