Earlier this week, Summit County Executive Shapiro and Summit County Council passed legislation recognizing the month of October 2017 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Summit County. The legislation, requested by County Council member Ron Kohler, encourages Summit residents to wear pink on October 23rd in remembrance of loved ones, family, and friends lost to this disease and also celebrating the courage of survivors. This recognition also affirms the importance of continuing to support finding a cure and the need for more early detection.
As reported by the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second largest cause of cancer related deaths amongst women. Each year, nearly 250,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 will lose their lives to the disease. Approximately 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Men may also be affected by breast cancer, as approximately 2,500 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer each year. These statistics highlight the importance of cancer awareness, research, and early detection.
“We hope one day soon, we will see a cure for breast cancer,” said Executive Shapiro. “Until that day is realized, we will work to raise awareness, support research and early detection initiatives, and support loved ones, friends and members of our community who have survived breast cancer, while remembering those who have not.”
Breast cancer deaths have decreased by 39% within the past thirty years, which is considered to be a result of early detection screening, increased awareness about the disease and its symptoms, and more sophisticated treatments and procedures.
“Summit County is proud to recognize the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said County Council President John Schmidt. “So many of us have witnessed a loved one battle this terrible disease and sadly, some of those battles have been lost, which is why continued support for early detection services and research is so important.”
County Executive Shapiro’s Office recently held a bake sale fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Foundation. All proceeds collected from the fundraiser will go towards supporting the Foundation’s upcoming Akron 5k Race for the Cure on October 22, 2017.
For more information and how you can get involved:
https://www.cancer.org/
http://komenneohio.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/
