Governor Stein Proclaims Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, blood cancers are cancers of the blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes that affect normal blood cell production or function; and the three main types are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma; and

Whereas, the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics projects that in 2026, North Carolina will see approximately 6,300 new blood cancer cases and more than 2,000 deaths from these diseases; and

Whereas, blood cancers are among the top eight most common causes of cancer deaths in the United States; and more than 1.6 million people in the United States are estimated to be living with or in remission from leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma; and

Whereas, thousands of North Carolinians receive a blood cancer diagnosis each year, underscoring the importance of continued research, early diagnosis, and access to quality care; and significant advances in research and treatment have improved survival rates for many blood cancers; and

Whereas, for many patients, a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant offers the best chance for a cure or long-term survival; and while approximately 30 percent of patients find a matching donor within their families, approximately 70 percent must rely on an unrelated volunteer donor; and

Whereas, September 22 is World Marrow Donor Day, celebrating the more than 43 million people worldwide who have registered as potential blood stem cell and marrow donors to help patients in need of a life-saving transplant; and

Whereas, Blood Cancer Awareness Month throughout September is an opportunity to increase awareness of blood cancers and improve the diagnosis, care, and treatment of these diseases; and concerned people can also learn more about the life-saving process of becoming a blood stem cell or marrow donor; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina encourages people to learn about the prevalence, symptoms, and treatment options for blood cancers;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2026 as “Blood Cancer Awareness Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this tenth day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.