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To declare October 2026 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Columbus, and to recognize the American Cancer Society for its advocacy and efforts to raise awareness regarding breast cancer in Columbus and Central Ohio.
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WHEREAS, 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2026, an estimated 321,910 women and 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer as well as 60,730 diagnosed with non invasive breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer during her lifetime is about 13%. The median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 63. 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45; and
WHEREAS, about 10% of breast cancers can be linked to known gene mutations inherited from one’s mother or father. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common. On average, women with a BRCA1 mutation or BRCA2 mutation have up to a 70% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have breast cancer and test positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are at risk for being diagnosed with cancer at a younger age. An increased ovarian cancer risk is also associated with these genetic mutations. In men, BRCA mutations can significantly elevate their risk of being diagnosed with cancer during their life; and
WHEREAS, breast cancer death rates have been steadily declining since 1989, due to increased awareness, improved treatment options, as well as upgraded mammography screenings, which helps detect breast cancer early; and
WHEREAS, there have been numerous studies which have shown that early detection increases treatment options and success, ultimately saving lives; and
WHEREAS, though breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women besides skin cancer, the five-year survival rate is more than 90 percent for breast cancers detected early thanks to enhanced screening and prevention methods. There ar...
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