Dear Prince Georgians:
During the month of October, the nation joins together to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This national campaign aims to raise awareness on the impact of breast cancer on individuals and families across the world, and we are excited to join the efforts by officially proclaiming October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Prince George’s County.
We have chosen this year’s theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month as “Prince George’s Goes Pink.” This theme serves as an opportunity to provide awareness on breast cancer symptoms, early detection and treatment, as well as educate residents on the programs and resources available to those impacted by breast cancer in our County.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. The CDC also reports that each year in the United States, about 264,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Additionally, about 1 out of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States are found in a man.
This disease also has a major impact on Prince George’s County. Our County has one of the highest mortality rates of breast cancer in the State of Maryland. This is an alarming statistic, and something that we must work together to change. That’s why we are making a concerted effort this year to bring greater awareness and education to breast cancer this month, because it will ultimately help us save lives.
Some of you may know that my mother, Patricia Alsobrooks, is a breast cancer survivor, so our Prince George’s Goes Pink initiative is deeply personal to me. We are going to do all that we can to contribute to breast cancer education, prevention, treatment, research, and education so that one day others are no longer impacted by this devastating disease.
Throughout the entire month, we will host a number of education, prevention, and awareness events and activities in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in collaboration with community partners who are dedicated to supporting those impacted by breast cancer. There will be various opportunities for residents to learn more information about breast cancer through health and resource fairs, virtual seminars, mammography screenings, and much more!
We are Prince George’s Proud to do our part to fight breast cancer in our community, and we encourage all Prince Georgians to join us throughout the month as Prince George’s Goes Pink (PGGP). For more information about our efforts, including a complete list of events, visit the PGGP website here.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
