The Wake County Board of Commissioners meeting was powerful in pink this evening 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.

“Breast cancer touches the lives of millions of people every year, and while the medical community has made substantial steps in treatment options, early detection is still the number one way to battle the disease,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “My own breast cancer was found early in stage one during an annual screening. So, while we honor the strength of survivors, the courage of those still fighting and the memory of those we've lost, we also encourage residents to schedule their annual mammograms and conduct self-exams to help prevent more people from being impacted.”

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 for breast cancer awareness. These events include:

• Breast Cancer Education Sessions
  Staff will visit 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.
  • Oct. 17: Holly Springs Community Library, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs,
  • Oct. 20: Body of Christ Church, 4501 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh
• Power Up for Pink Fitness Event
  Saturday, Nov. 2, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  Body of Christ Church, 4501 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh
  Held in collaboration with Body of Christ Church, this free fitness event will feature Zumba, aerobics and belly dancing. Refreshments and water will be provided.
   

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.