BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Commission on Thursday approved a proclamation declaring Oct. 1 Breast Cancer Awareness Day and October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
WVU Extension Agent Craig Presar presented the proclamation on behalf of the Community Educational Outreach Services, or CEOS.
“In 2019, an estimated 1,470, West Virginia women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 290 women will die from the disease,” Presar said. “Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer related deaths among West Virginia women.”
Presar said a woman has a one in eight or 12 percent chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime and about a one in 38 chance or a 2.6 percent chance of dying from the disease.
“Currently, the best method to reduce deaths due to breast cancer is through early detection of the disease,” Presar said. “Women age 50 and older should have a mammogram every year, women ages 40 to 49 should talk with their healthcare provider about their screening schedule. Clinical breast exams by a physician or nurse are recommended every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.”
He said breast self-exams are an option for women in their 20s; however, he emphasized that women should be aware of the benefits and limitations of self-examinations.
“Clinical breast exams, breast self-exams and mammograms can save lives,” Presar said. “Women should talk to their healthcare provider about their individual screening schedule.”
He said there will be a Breast Cancer Awareness “Support the Fight” event at 11 am. Oct. 1 at the Stockert Youth and Community Center.
Presar read the proclamation aloud.
“Therefore, in recognition of the important life-saving early detection practices available for breast cancer, we the commissioners of Upshur County hereby proclaim October 1, 2019 as West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day and October 2019, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we 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,” Presar read.
The Upshur County Commission approved the proclamation. The City of Buckhannon also declared October Breast Cancer Awareness Month Thursday morning at city hall.
Prior to adjourning, the commission also:
- Approved the request of director of Upshur County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Brian Shreves for approval and signature of Homeland Security Grant Program Award, Special Conditions and Assurances, and Certifications. This grant is in the amount of $9,000 to be used to upgrade the Upshur County Emergency Operations Center.
- Approved the STOP Violence Against Women Grant Program Contract Agreement, Resolution, Certifications, Supplemental Special Conditions and Revised Standard Conditions. This grant award is in the amount of $28,000.
