The Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners convened on September 24, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a significant proclamation regarding prostate cancer awareness.

The meeting commenced with a proclamation sponsored by a commissioner, designating September 2025 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The commissioner highlighted alarming statistics, noting that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, projected to account for 30 percent of male cancers in 2025. It is also the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, following lung cancer, with an estimated 313,780 new cases expected in the U.S. this year, resulting in approximately 35,770 deaths.

The proclamation emphasized that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the risk increases significantly for men aged 65 and older. Key risk factors include increasing age, African ancestry, family history, and certain inherited genetic conditions. The commissioner pointed out that while the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is nearly 100 percent with early diagnosis and treatment, it drops to 30 percent if the cancer spreads.

The American Cancer Society's recommendations were also noted, urging men to discuss testing options with their healthcare providers based on personal values and preferences. The county aims to join communities nationwide in raising awareness about the importance of early detection and informed decision-making regarding prostate cancer testing.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to public health and awareness initiatives, particularly concerning prostate cancer, as it proclaimed September 2025 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Sandoval County.