Governor Proclaims Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2022

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

WHEREAS, prostate cancer impacts people of all races and ethnicities, with African Americans experiencing the highest incidence rates in North Carolina from 2016 to 2020; and

WHEREAS, according to the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, the incidence rate for African Americans is 177.8 per 100,000; the incidence rate for White Americans is 103.0 per 100,000; the incidence rate for American Indians is 85.6 per 100,000; the incidence rate for Asian/Pacific Islanders is 52.3 per 100,000; and the incidence rate for Hispanics is 80.0 per 100,000; and

WHEREAS, the mortality rate per 100,000 for African Americans is 38.9, for White Americans 16.6, for American Indians is 22.0, for Asian/Pacific Islanders is 8.2, and for Hispanics is 12.0; and

WHEREAS, men should discuss with a health care provider if they should be screened for prostate cancer; individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer can learn more from a health care provider 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, men can reduce their risk of prostate cancer by having a healthy lifestyle, being physically active, eating healthy, limiting their alcohol intake or not drinking, quitting tobacco and vaping use, and knowing their family history of prostate cancer; 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, 2022, as “PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.