Wicomico County and the City of Salisbury Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month
On Wednesday, October 1, 2014, Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt and City of Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton have illuminated the windows of the Government Office Building with pink candles to recognize October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The National Breast Cancer Awareness banner is also posted on the Government Office grounds.
“Every year breast cancer causes a devastating impact on our neighbors and their families. By displaying the pink candles throughout the month of October, we join other communities across the country in solidarity to raise awareness of this insidious disease and encourage people to be alert to the signs of cancer and to follow all the appropriate preventive practices,” said County Executive Rick Pollitt.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. One in eight women in the United States develops breast cancer at some point in their lives.
The American Cancer Society provides the following screening recommendations:
• Women in their 20’s and 30’s should have a clinical breast exam every 1-3 years.
• Women over the age of 40 should have a yearly clinical breast exam and mammogram.
• Women at high risk should consult with their physician regarding screening type and when to be screened.
Women Supporting Women, a local nonprofit organization that provides a myriad of free support services to survivors, families and friends throughout Delmarva, has distributed approximately 150 informational tote bags so far this year.
“We provide the bags for those that have been newly diagnosed,” said Sue Revelle, Executive Director of Women Supporting Women, “The educational materials in the bag include a book that tells you everything you wanted to know but may have been afraid to ask, a seatbelt pillow, magazines and a book for specifically for caretakers.”
Wicomico County employees show their support during the month with Pink Power Fridays, when employees wear pink as a symbol of support and encouragement to women – and men – to discuss their risks with their doctors and to have the appropriate breast screening.
