The Wake County Board of Commissioners meeting was pretty in pink this week as the members unanimously proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To help educate residents about the importance of self-exams and regular screenings, the County is kicking off a month of outreach in our community.

“The medical community has made significant strides in treating breast cancer over the past few decades, but early detection remains one of our most effective weapons in the battle against the disease,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Shinica Thomas, whose great-grandmother and grandmother both died of breast cancer. “We encourage residents to take time this month to schedule their annual mammograms and conduct self-exams – two proactive and important steps that could save your life."

Newly sworn-in Clerk to the Board Yvonne Gilyard read the proclamation. The two-time breast cancer survivor and thriver was joined by the Sister to Sister Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting Black women in breast health education and breast cancer treatment. Commissioner Vickie Adamson, also a breast cancer survivor, brought the item forward to the Board.

A woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer every two minutes, making this disease the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S., other than skin cancers. In Wake County, it is anticipated that 1,240 females will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 147 will succumb to breast cancer in 2023, according to the North Carolina Division of Public Health.

The American Cancer Society recommends all women at an average risk for breast cancer begin getting a yearly mammogram at age 45, with the option to start screening even earlier at age 40.

To help spread awareness and offer access to resources, Wake County is partnering with organizations across our region to host community events throughout October. These events include:

• Power Up for Pink Fitness Event
  Friday, Oct. 20, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
  South East Raleigh YMCA, 1436 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh
  Held in collaboration with South East Raleigh YMCA, this free fitness event will feature Zumba, aerobics and belly dancing. Refreshments and water will be provided.
• Breast Cancer Education Sessions
  • Oct. 14: Safe Haven Apostolic Church, 3719 Junction Blvd., Raleigh, 10:30 a.m.
  • Oct. 15: Body of Christ Church, 4501 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, 10 a.m.
    Staff will visit multiple locations across the county offering education sessions about breast cancer risk factors, community resources, self-exams and more. The dates below are confirmed, but more events will be added throughout the month.
• Wake County Parks Go Pink
  • Oct. 4–17: Blue Jay Point County Park and Lake Crabtree County Park
  • Oct. 18–31: Green Hills County Park and Harris Lake County Park
    Select Wake County Parks will go pink to spread breast cancer awareness messages on signage around park trails and entrances.
     

Wake County also is encouraging our thousands of employees to learn about the risks and take appropriate steps to prevent breast cancer. Regular screenings are offered at the convenient Wake County Employee Health Center to help increase the chances of early detection.

To learn more about community events and resources available for breast cancer awareness, visit wake.gov/breasthealth.