National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WHEREAS, a woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer every two minutes, making this disease the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S., other than skin cancers; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that by the end of 2011, approximately 3,700 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the State of Alabama, and about 700 will die from the disease; and

WHEREAS, through research and advocacy, significant advances have been made in the fight against breast cancer, including an increase in five-year relative survival rates for localized breast cancer from 74 percent to 98 percent; and

WHEREAS, the 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the U.S. today are a testament to courage, as well as to the importance of promoting awareness about breast cancer, providing information, funding research, following recommended screening guidelines, and offering treatment to those who are affected; and

WHEREAS, the efforts of various organizations have made a major contribution to spreading breast cancer awareness to both women and men in all communities in this State through outreach, education and screening programs, and have empowered women with the life-saving message of early detection and the importance of having mammograms; and

WHEREAS, screening rates are declining and a recent study reveals that among the 1.5 million women studied over the age of 40 with health insurance, less than fifty percent received the recommended annual screening; and

WHEREAS, throughout the month of October, women are encouraged to make a renewed commitment to following the recommended screening guidelines and to make a mammogram appointment; and

WHEREAS, throughout the month of October, organizations and health practitioners in this State are encouraged to use this opportunity to promote awareness about breast cancer and proper breast health, and to encourage annual mammograms; and

WHEREAS, public officials and citizens of the State are urged to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that encourage annual mammograms; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama recognizes the importance of working together and supporting events such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim October 2011, as

National Breast Cancer

Awareness Month

in the State of the Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 19th day of September 2011.

                                                                                 _______Governor Robert Bentley