Proclaim October 2021 to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Whereas, October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness using pink ribbon imagery, which aims to offer support for those courageously battling this disease; to recognize the many survivors, their supporters and loved ones; and to honor those lives lost to this disease; and,
Whereas, in the Pacific Northwest, 1 in 7 women are affected by breast cancer while the national average is 1 in 8 women; breast cancer also affects men; new breast cancer diagnoses occur over two times more frequently than diagnoses of second leading cancer; and breast cancer is the second, most likely cause of death for women in the United States; and
Whereas,the COVID-19 pandemic impacted progress made in cancer treatment by creating a dramatic drop in mammograms in spring 2020, which led to later stage diagnoses, more aggressive treatments, and ultimately more, breast cancer related deaths; and,
Whereas, the closure of the Susan G. Komen Oregon SW Washington affiliate in March 2021 created new gaps of programs and services to critical segments of breast cancer patients, like those with metastatic breast cancer, those with geographic barriers to care and others affected by the social determinants of health; and,
Whereas, Pink Lemonade Project, a Washington-based nonprofit organization, has the mission “to educate, empower, and support those affected by breast cancer” and is committed to working to address these gaps, and aims to bring attention to both this important community health issue and to the disparities of women and people of color who are affected by this disease; and,
Whereas, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to unite the community and spread the important message of early detection, screening and prevention to women and men in order to prevent additional diagnoses, or even breast cancer deaths;
Now, therefore,I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim October to be
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this month.