Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclaimed in Crowley

Along with the rest of the nation, the city of Crowley is actively participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

To further the cause, Mayor Greg Jones issued the following Proclamation on Wednesday, Oct. 2:

WHEREAS, October 2013 marks more than 25 years since its inception of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) that has educated women about early breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment; and

WHEREAS, Crowley Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will host a Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 12, 2013, with all proceeds donated to Hospice of Acadiana; and

WHEREAS, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer with fourteen (14) national public service organizations, professional associations, and government agencies, who work to ensure that the NBCAM message is heard by thousands of women, men and their families; and

WHEREAS, this year, the awareness campaign is sending out several key messages, most notably, the importance of early detection through annual mammography screening for women over 40; and

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census in 2009 the death rates for Louisiana: Female Breast Cancer by Race and Ethnicity in relation to the age adjusted rates per 100,000 by race and ethnicity are: 23.2, 22.6, 31.4 for all races, white, and black, respectively. Rates are per 100,000 persons and are age adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population (19 age groups – Census P25-130); and

WHEREAS, still, this year, over 800 women in Louisiana will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and too many will be lost. African-American women bear a particularly large burden, experiencing higher death rates from breast cancer than other racial or ethnic groups in the United States. Too many men also develop and fall victim to this cancer; and

WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society has searched endlessly for a cure through vital research, and has the mammoth task of educating our community and all Americans of the risks of breast cancer. Its many volunteers who offer support in the form of support groups, accommodations and transportation assistance, medical equipment and more; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I Greg A. Jones, Mayor of the City of Crowley, Louisiana, hereby proclaim the month of October 2013 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourage my fellow citizens to join in activities that will help this community understand what they can do to prevent and control breast cancer.