Governor Cooper Proclaims Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2024

WHEREAS, in North Carolina, 413 women were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and 134 women died of cervical cancer in 2023, based on projections; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic women have the highest rates of developing cervical cancer, and Black women have the highest rates of dying from cervical cancer; and

WHEREAS, it is likely that factors such as income, education, access to health care, stress, and racism are among the major causes of the poorer health of minorities on many health measures, leading to a greater need for screening and early detection; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (NC BCCCP) in the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up to eligible uninsured or underinsured women; and

WHEREAS, regular cervical cancer screening tests are an effective way to detect the disease early, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment which significantly increase a woman’s chance of survival; and

WHEREAS, increased awareness of prevention and detection techniques among patients and health care providers is a key component in safe-guarding cervical health; with HPV vaccination, as well as routine screening and follow-up, cervical cancer is highly preventable; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages all residents to recognize that cervical cancer is treatable, and that routine screening and HPV vaccinations can save lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim January, 2024, as “CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.