Gynecological Cancer Awareness Day

WHEREAS, gynecologic cancer is the fourth largest cancer killer of women in the United States and more than 80,000 will be diagnosed this year alone; and

WHEREAS, the good health and well-being of women in our state are enhanced as a direct result of efforts to spread awareness about gynecologic cancers and their symptoms and treatments; and

WHEREAS, among the health concerns facing today’s society are cancers unique to women that claim the lives of too many mothers, daughters, sisters and other loved ones– some of which have few signs or symptoms, and which are often difficult to detect; and

WHEREAS, women’s reproductive cancers vary widely, ranging from preventable, to easily detected and treated stages, to the difficult-to-diagnose stage; and

WHEREAS, it is critical for women, physicians and all healthcare providers to recognize the risk factors and symptoms of gynecologic cancers and to remember the importance of early detection in preventing and treating this disease;  and

WHEREAS, continued progress in the battle against gynecologic cancer requires vigilant public awareness and support for effective healthcare programs, services, scientific research and education; and to this end, all educators, service providers, researchers and advocacy groups are urged to work together to develop ways to inform more women about gynecologic cancer and to ensure that all women in the State of Alabama have access to appropriate cancer screening services; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to recognize the worthy goals of this observance and to promote efforts to reduce the incidence of gynecologic cancer among our loved ones, and it is also crucial that all women in the State of Alabama take an active role in learning the symptoms and risk factors associated with all forms of cancer, developing healthy habits, and undergoing regular medical examinations so that any occurrence of this disease may be detected in its early and treatable stages; and

WHEREAS, the State Capitol will be lit in teal, the designated awareness color for gynecologic cancers, on Tuesday, September 2, 2014:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 2,2014, as

Gynecological Cancer Awareness Day

in the state of Alabama and encourage all citizens to reflect upon the memory of those lost to these diseases, the bravery of those currently battling these diagnoses, and the need for increased awareness, screening and research so that the women of Alabama might be spared from them in the future.