Whereas, African Americans are more likely than Caucasians to die from breast cancer, partly due to a later stage of diagnosis; and,

Whereas, Early detection is the key to survival. With regular screenings, breast cancer is more likely to be detected at an earlier stage when it is most treatable; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Cancer Consortium recommends annual breast cancer screening, including a clinical breast exam and mammogram for women of average risk starting at age 40; and,

Whereas, Although every woman is at risk of developing breast cancer, several factors have been shown to increase this risk, including increasing age, a personal history of breast cancer, a family history of breast cancer (especially pre-menopausal onset), high breast tissue density, high-dose radiation to the chest, never giving birth or having a first child after the age of 30, and a long menstrual history; and,

Whereas, Michigan public health agencies, health care providers, and hospitals statewide, along with the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program, offer breast cancer screenings and follow-up services for low-income women ages 40-64 and have screened more than 131,000 women, diagnosed and treated over 2,400 women with breast cancer, and offer women a resource  for  referral  through  the  Michigan   Health Promotion Hotline at 1-800-922-6266; and,

Whereas, Donations given to Amanda's Fund for Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment, which raised over $71,600 during the 2008 tax season, are designated to provide free cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income women through Michigan's Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program; and,

Whereas, Education can help inform the public of methods of early detection and prevention. Such efforts are underway by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program, the Michigan Cancer Consortium and its members, the Michigan Department of Community Health, and the state of Michigan;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2009 Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan.  I urge all citizens to learn more about this disease, to recognize the importance of breast cancer screenings, and to assist the women they care about to seek regular breast cancer screening.