HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-19-2003-5aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 19, 2003
Action Agen a
Item No.
SUBJECT: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
DEPARTMENT: BOCC PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tamara Adams -Wake Forest School of
Cover Letter from Tamara Adams, Medicine - 336-713-7513
Center for Human Genomics -Wake Donna Baker, ext. 2130
Forest School of Medicine TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Proclamation Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To join other counties in the state in proclaiming the month of September 2003 as
"Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" to increase the awareness of this deadly health issue for
the citizens of Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The Center for Human Genomics at Wake Forest School of Medicine and the
Prostate Cancer Team are working to improve awareness of prostate cancer in the state of
North Carolina. Last year, 34 North Carolina counties adopted proclamations regarding
prostate cancer awareness, and this year the target is 50 counties, with an ultimate goal of
proclamations from all 100 counties in the state.
The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 6,800 new cases of cancer of the prostate
this year in North Carolina, which will result in an estimated 900 deaths.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the
proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the
proclamation designating the month of September 2003 as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month"
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
2
July 8, 2003
Margaret W. Brown, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
200 South Cameron Street
Post Office Box 8181
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to gain your support in declaring September 2003 "Prostate Cancer
Awareness Month" in Orange County. Every man is at risk for prostate cancer and this
disease is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of
cancer-related deaths in men. 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, resulting in an estimated 900 deaths.
Research has shown 25% of prostate cancer affects men under the age of 65 years. The
lack of awareness about prostate cancer is an important factor in why so many men are
diagnosed in the later stages of the disease's progression. Late-stage diagnoses can
drastically cut a man's survival rate therefore, increased awareness, and education is
crucial.
I work for the Center for Human Genomics at Wake Forest School of Medicine, with the
Prostate Cancer Team. We have once again joined forces with the Prostate Cancer
Coalition of NC, to increase awareness concerning screening options, better treatment
methods, and to decrease the prostate cancer death rate in North Carolina by 50% in 5
years. Last year, we were successful in acquiring 34 proclamations. This year we strive
to do even better. We plan to reach out to at least 50 counties, bringing us even closer to
our ultimate goal of raising awareness by acquiring proclamations in all 100 counties
within North Carolina.
We would be most grateful for your compassionate and expedient action in this matter. If
you have any questions, please call me at (336-713-7513). I look forward to hearing
from you soon regarding this matter.
Respectfully,
Tamara Adams
ORANGE 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.
Margaret W. Brown, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners