BUCKHANNON — Mayor Robbie Skinner issued a proclamation Thursday declaring October 2 as West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day and October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The full text of the proclamation follows:

In 2023, an estimated 1,470 West Virginia women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and
approximately 290 women will die from the disease. Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause
of cancer related deaths among WV women. A woman has about a 1 in 8 chance (13%) chance of
developing breast cancer in her lifetime and about a 1 in 39 chance (3%) chance of dying from the
disease.

Currently, the best method to reduce deaths due to breast cancer is through early detection of the
disease. Women age 50 and older should have a mammogram every year. Women ages 40-49
should talk with their health care provider about their screening schedule.

Mammograms can save lives. Women should talk to their health care provider about their
individual screening schedule.

In recognition of the important lifesaving early detection practices available for breast
cancer, I Robbie Skinner the Mayor of Buckhannon, do hereby proclaim October 2, 2023, as
West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day and October 2023 as Breast Cancer Awareness
Month.

I urge all Upshur County women to become aware that they are at risk for developing
breast cancer and to discuss screening with their health care providers.

-Robbie Skinner, Mayor