RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The United States observes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October to recognize the courage and strength of the over three million Americans who are battling this deadly medical condition, those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, and all those whose lives have been affected by it; and
WHEREAS, There are approximately 1.38 million new cases and 458,000 deaths from breast cancer worldwide each year, and more than 276,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Women are at a higher risk for breast cancer, especially those with a family history of breast cancer or those who are older, and the disease remains the most common form of cancer among American women, except for skin cancers; and
WHEREAS, Approximately one out of every eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and one case of breast cancer is diagnosed approximately every two minutes; and
WHEREAS, Early detection and regular screenings, followed by timely treatment upon diagnosis, have saved countless lives and led to a 90 percent five-year survival rate for American women; and
WHEREAS, Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in October 1985 to promote mammography as the most effective test for the early detection of breast cancer and has since evolved into a collaboration between nonprofit organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness; and
WHEREAS, The pink ribbon has become an international symbol of breast cancer awareness and solidarity for people affected by the disease, and several landmark buildings in the City have been illuminated pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been a tremendous success, leading to far more Chicagoans receiving screenings and treatment, and ultimately leading to fewer premature deaths; and
WHEREAS, The City Council wishes to recognize the fortitude and strength of survivors and those currently battling breast cancer, and remember those lives lost to this terrible disease; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this seventh day of October, 2020, do hereby reaffirm our prior designation of the 31-day period beginning on October 1 and ending on October 31 as "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" in Chicago, and encourage all Chicagoans to raise awareness of the symptoms and treatment ofthis disease in pursuit of a better, healthier future.