HomeMy WebLinkAboutS Proclamation - Prostate Cancer Awareness MonthORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
"PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH"
WHEREAS, in the year 2003, the month of September is declared National Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month; and,
WHEREAS, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the
second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men; and,
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 39,600 new cases of
cancer this year in North Carolina, of which 6,800 will involve cancer of the prostate, which
will result in an estimated 900 deaths; and,
WHEREAS, about 25% of prostate cancer affects men under the age of 65, during their
prime years at work and, at any age, deaths due to prostate cancer devastate families,
through loss of income, partnership, and support; and,
WHEREAS, mortality rates in African-American men are more than two and a half times as
high as rates in Caucasian men; and,
WHEREAS, prostate cancer has accounted for, on average, 16 percent of the nation's cancer
burden, yet it has received, on average, only about 5 percent of the funds this nation commits
to cancer research; and,
WHEREAS, we do not fully understand the factors that contribute to the development and
progression of prostate cancer into an aggressive disease, and additional research is
important to refine the screening and treatment of prostate cancer, and to ensure efficient
delivery of these health care services by a unified standard of care; and
WHEREAS, educating the people of Orange County including health care providers, about
Prostate Cancer and early detection strategies is crucial to saving men's lives and preserving
and protecting our families; and,
NOW, THEREFORE the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim the
month of September 2003 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in Orange County, and
urges all men in Orange County to become aware of their own risks of prostate cancer, talk to
their health care providers about prostate cancer and, whenever appropriate, be screened for
the disease. The Board further encourages all residents to become involved in the war on
prostate cancer through education and advocacy initiatives.
This the 19th day of August, 2003. ^/?~ ~,c-~ lGt
Margaret W. Brown, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners