CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A proclamation designating October as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” was presented at the Clearlake City Council meeting last Thursday.
The proclamation urged all citizens to unite in the prevention of breast cancer deaths through increased education and regular screening.
Councilman Russ Perdock, who wore a pink ribbon on his lapel in honor of his mother, said the subject was near and dear to him and asked if anyone in the room would like to stand with him in presentation of the proclamation.
The crowd rose to its feet, and longtime community volunteer, Barbara Christwitz, joined Perdock at the front of the room.
“While considerable progress has been made in the fight against breast cancer, it remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death among women in the United States,” Perdock stated in presentation.
According to the proclamation, each year it is estimated that more than 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die as a result of the disease.
The council, with the designation, reaffirms its commitment to support breast cancer research and educate all citizens about its risk factors, detection and treatment.
“As we display pink ribbons and wear pink clothing to raise awareness, we also support those courageously fighting breast cancer and honor the lives lost to the disease," Perdock said. "This October, we recognize breast cancer survivors, those battling the disease, their families and friends who are a tireless source of love and encouragement, and applaud the efforts of our medical professionals and researchers working to find a cure for this deadly disease.”
New guidelines for screening and detection were published by the American Cancer Society on Oct. 20 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
New recommendations are as follows:
– Women with an average risk of breast cancer should undergo regular screening mammography starting at age 45 years.
– Women aged 45 to 54 years should be screened annually.
– Women 55 years and older should transition to biennial screening or have the opportunity to continue screening annually.
– Women should have the opportunity to begin annual screening between the ages of 40 and 44 years.
– Women should continue screening mammography as long as their overall health is good and they have a life expectancy of 10 years or longer.
The American Cancer Society does not recommend clinical breast examination for breast cancer screening among average-risk women at any age.
For more information about breast cancer, early detection and treatment, visit www.cancer.org .
Email reporter Denise Rockenstein at
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