BUCKHANNON – Women ages 40 to 49 years old are encouraged to establish a schedule to receive a mammogram once a year to increase the odds of the early detection of breast cancer.

The Upshur County Commission proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month during their Oct. 3 meeting.

Breast Cancer Awareness Day is Oct. 14, and a gathering will take place at the Episcopal Church at the corner of Kanawha and East Lincoln streets. Registration will take place from 11 a.m. to noon, and a ceremony and light lunch will take place at noon.

More information about the event can be found by calling 304-473-4208.

The text of the proclamation follows:

West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In 2024, 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 (13%) chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime and about a 1 in 39 (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, we the Commissioners of Upshur County, do hereby proclaim Oct. 14, 2024, as West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day and October 2024 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.