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Orange County supervisors mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and press screening access
Summary
Supervisors and local health leaders recognized October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, urged screenings (noting new guidance to begin routine mammography at 40), and highlighted local mortality data: "354 women died from breast cancer in Orange County in 2023," a supervisor said.
Supervisor Katrina Foley opened the Board of Supervisors’ Oct. 22 recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by introducing local clinicians and survivors and calling attention to screening and early detection.
"The month of October is celebrated worldwide, and at the County Of Orange as breast cancer awareness month," Foley said, and she invited medical providers to speak about prevention, survivorship and access. Foley cited the Orange County Health Care Agency’s figure that "354 women died from breast cancer in Orange County in 2023" and noted screening gaps as a factor in some deaths.
Medical guests and survivors underscored that screening saves lives. A clinician who identified themself as a survivor urged residents to follow the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidance to "start at 40" for routine mammograms and noted people with family histories may need earlier surveillance. County staff and presenters emphasized available screening resources for residents at different income levels and highlighted partnerships with providers including Hoag and MemorialCare.
Vice Chair Doug Chaffee and Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento both urged multilingual outreach and said county investments support access for low‑income, disabled and senior residents. Chaffee thanked health professionals for their contributions; Sarmiento said the county has "invested close to $50,000,000" in outreach and services and urged continued work to reach under‑screened communities.
The recognition concluded with plaques and photos. Supervisors asked residents to schedule mammograms and to consult primary‑care providers about personal risk and screening intervals.
