Agenda - 08-19-2003-5a - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 July 8, 2003 Margaret W. Brown, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners 200 South Cameron Street Post Office Box 8181 Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to gain your support in declaring September 2003 "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" in Orange County. Every man is at risk for prostate cancer and this disease is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 39,600 new cases of cancer this year in North Carolina, of which 6,800 will involve cancer of the prostate, resulting in an estimated 900 deaths. Research has shown 25% of prostate cancer affects men under the age of 65 years. The lack of awareness about prostate cancer is an important factor in why so many men are diagnosed in the later stages of the disease's progression. Late-stage diagnoses can drastically cut a man's survival rate therefore, increased awareness, and education is crucial. I work for the Center for Human Genomics at Wake Forest School of Medicine, with the Prostate Cancer Team. We have once again joined forces with the Prostate Cancer Coalition of NC, to increase awareness concerning screening options, better treatment methods, and to decrease the prostate cancer death rate in North Carolina by 50% in 5 years. Last year, we were successful in acquiring 34 proclamations. This year we strive to do even better. We plan to reach out to at least 50 counties, bringing us even closer to our ultimate goal of raising awareness by acquiring proclamations in all 100 counties within North Carolina. We would be most grateful for your compassionate and expedient action in this matter. If you have any questions, please call me at (336-713-7513). I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding this matter. Respectfully, Tamara Adams