CNMI Breast Cancer Awareness Month
OCTOBER 2021
WHEREAS, October 2021 is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the US; and
WHEREAS, breast cancer is the most common cancer among CNMI women; and
WHEREAS, every year, too many of us are touched by the pain and hardship caused by breast cancer — a disease that, among women, is not only one of the most common cancers, but also one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor all those who lost their lives to breast cancer, and we recognize the courageous survivors who are still fighting it. For these individuals, and for their loved ones who give their unwavering support during the most trying times, we recommit ourselves to the essential and necessary work of forging a future free from cancer in all its forms.
WHEREAS, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer of death in women nationally, exceeded only by lung cancer, and the chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman’s life is about one (1) in eight (8); and
WHEREAS, according to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 232,340 new cases of female breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2021 and 36,620 females will die from the disease; and
WHEREAS, early detection and improved treatment is believed to have significantly reduced the number of deaths caused by breast cancer. The mammogram, an x-ray picture of the breast, is recognized as the most effective method of detecting breast changes that may be cancer long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt on women 40 years of age and older; and
WHEREAS, clinical breast exams performed by your health care provider and a breast self-examination should be practiced by women 20 years of age and older on regular basis; and
WHEREAS, since lifestyle factors contribute significantly to the risk of developing breast cancer, as well as most cancers, we encourage women to educate themselves and explore the ways in which they can decrease their risk for breast cancer by enjoying a health promoting lifestyle,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and I, ARNOLD I. PALACIOS, Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in us by the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim October 2021 as
CNMI BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
We urge all women in the CNMI to discuss a preventive and screening program with their health care provider and become aware of potential risks of being diagnosed for breast cancer. Let’s continue to provide support for our survivors, their families, and our healthcare and community partners so that we can provide preventative care, decrease the risk for breast cancer, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands on this 28th day of September 2021.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
/s/
ARNOLD I. PALACIOS
Lieutenant Governor
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