Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, an estimated 2,600 men in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and an estimated 450 men each year will die from the disease; and

WHEREAS, the public commonly thinks of breast cancer as a disease affecting only women, a misconception that can delay diagnosis and treatment in men, often leading to death; and

WHEREAS, early detection of male breast cancer is critical, as men who are diagnosed when breast cancer is in its earliest stages have an increased chance of successful treatment and ultimately, survival; and

WHEREAS, due in part to a lack of awareness that men can develop the disease, men are generally diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage than women, which affects prognosis and treatment; and

WHEREAS, in order to facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment of male breast cancer, public education, awareness, and understanding of the disease is necessary; and

WHEREAS, “Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week” is celebrated in remembrance of the men who have lost their lives to breast cancer and in support of those who are currently fighting, this often overlooked disease:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of October 16th, through October 22nd, 2016, as

Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week

in the State of Alabama in order to foster public awareness and understanding of male breast cancer and encourage early detection and prompt treatment.

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 1st day of October 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor