Governor Proclaims Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2023

WHEREAS, prostate cancer is the most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States; it was the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in North Carolina men in 2020; and

WHEREAS, prostate cancer impacts people of all races and ethnicities, with African Americans experiencing the highest incidence and mortality rates in North Carolina from 2017 to 2021; and

WHEREAS, according to the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, the incidence rate per 100,000 for African Americans is 183.9 compared to 107.0 for White Americans, 91.5 for American Indians, 80.4 for Hispanics, and 55.9 for Asian/Pacific Islanders; and

WHEREAS, the mortality rate per 100,000 for African American is 38.6, compared to 21.2 for American Indians, 16.9 for White Americans, 12.4 for Hispanics, and 9.4 for Asian/Pacific Islanders; and

WHEREAS, men can reduce their risk of prostate cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle, being physically active, eating healthy foods, limiting or eliminating their alcohol intake, quitting tobacco and vaping use, and knowing their family history of prostate cancer; and

WHEREAS, the NC Comprehensive Cancer Control Program encourages men to talk to a health care provider to determine whether 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 in accordance with their unique diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages people to stay 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, 2023, as “PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.