REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Report
BACKGROUND
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month began as an awareness campaign in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries to educate women about breast cancer and mammograms as an important tool to be used in the fight against breast cancer. Former First Lady Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor, helped kick off the inaugural event to bring awareness to the disease.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States. In 2024, more than 310,000 women are estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer. It should be noted that men can also contract breast cancer, and more than 2,700 men are estimated to be diagnosed in 2024. Currently, there are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Since 1985, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been held annually in October. The month aims to increase awareness of the disease, raise funds for research, and educate communities about the importance of early screening and detection of breast cancer. The pink ribbon was first utilized in 1992 as a visual reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The 2024 international theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is "No one should face breast cancer alone."
DISCUSSION
The City of Santa Clara joins in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage our community to acknowledge and support all individuals affected by breast cancer. At the October 8, 2024 City Council meeting, the City of Santa Clara will proclaim October 2024 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Executive Director Stephanie Demos from Cancer CAREPoint will be present to accept the proclamation. Cancer CAREPoint is an organization dedicated to transforming support for cancer patients and survivors, their families, and caregivers in the Bay Area through personalized counseling, assistance...
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