During a recent Montgomery County Council meeting, officials and community members gathered to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of early detection and equitable access to healthcare. Council member Lori Ann Sales, who has been a vocal advocate for breast cancer awareness, highlighted alarming statistics: over 300,000 women and nearly 3,000 men are expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year, with Black women facing a 40% higher mortality rate compared to their counterparts.

The meeting featured personal testimonies from several breast cancer survivors and representatives from various health organizations, including the BREM Foundation and the Primary Care Coalition. Survivors shared their experiences, underscoring the critical role of early detection and the need for accessible screening programs. Oge Okeke, director of cancer prevention at the Primary Care Coalition, noted significant improvements in screening rates for uninsured women, thanks to community partnerships aimed at increasing access to mammograms.

The council also addressed the disparities faced by marginalized communities, including Black and Hispanic women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, who often encounter barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. The proclamation read during the meeting called for increased awareness and proactive health measures, urging women to begin annual screenings at age 45.

As part of the initiative, the council reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing healthcare access and reducing racial disparities in breast cancer treatment. The meeting concluded with a proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging residents to advocate for improved treatment and awareness of this critical health issue.