Governor Proclaims Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2021

WHEREAS, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States; and 

WHEREAS, prostate cancer particularly impacts all races and Hispanic origin male populations, with African Americans having the highest incidence rates in North Carolina from 2015 to 2019; According to the NC Central Cancer Registry, the incidence rate for African Americans is 175.8 per 100,000, while the incidence rate for White Americans is 102.2 per 100,000, American Indians is 84.8 per 100,000, and Hispanics is 81.8 per 100,000; and 

WHEREAS, with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic causing people to postpone some routine medical procedures, and as the COVID-19 virus also disproportionately impacts historically marginalized populations in the state, it is more important than ever to increase preventative screenings among the state’s vulnerable communities; and

 WHEREAS, individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer can speak with their health care providers to learn more about the disease, find support groups and services in their community or online, and determine treatment that considers a quality-of-life balance with their unique diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages people to become informed about cancer detection and to raise awareness, promote resources, and advocate support for men and their families affected by this disease in our communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2021, as “PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.