2021 Senate Joint Resolution 72
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: proclaiming the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Whereas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year in the United States, about 255,000 women develop breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease; and
Whereas, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Wisconsin, accounting for nearly one-third of all cancers diagnosed among women; and
Whereas, the American Cancer Society estimates that this year 5,210 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in Wisconsin women, resulting in 750 deaths from the disease in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, the American Cancer Society estimates that this year in the United States 2,650 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men, resulting in 530 deaths from the disease; and
Whereas, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported that in Wisconsin the age-adjusted incidence rate of breast cancer during the period from 2009 to 2013 among women was 127.2 per 100,000 and among men was 1.6 per 100,000; and
Whereas, early detection through regular screening tests is the most effective way to increase the odds of survival from breast cancer; and
Whereas, the American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women beginning at age 45; and
Whereas, the American Cancer Society states that breast cancer death rates in older women have steadily declined since 2007, decreasing by 1 percent per year from 2013 to 2018, and these decreased rates are believed to be the result of increased awareness, early detection, and better treatments; and
Whereas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted a recent study published in the Journal of Preventative Medicine that found that use of the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program declined by 87 percent during April 2020 as compared with the previous 5-year averages for that month; and
Whereas, delays in breast cancer screenings caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to later stage breast cancer diagnoses and negative health outcomes; and
Whereas, October is internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month; and
Whereas, the health and well-being of Wisconsin residents are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness and early detection; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature proclaim the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote awareness, early detection, and treatment of breast cancer.
