During October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, members of the county council urged women to get their mammograms regularly.
On Tuesday, two council members talked about their personal battles with breast cancer, noting that during 2024, 300,000 women and 3,000 men in the United States will receive a breast cancer diagnosis.
“42,000 women will die from it,” noted Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles.
Early detection is important for positive outcomes, according to the councilmembers and non-profit representatives who spoke at the council meeting.
Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe declared, “I am a breast cancer survivor,” noting that she was diagnosed 15 years ago and continued treatment for about six years.
“I am here today because of early detection,” she said.
Councilmember Kate Stewart explained that her mother died of breast cancer and her sister had a double mastectomy. “I make sure every year I get my screening so I can be there for my kids.”
According to national statistics, breast cancer affects one in every eight women.
Sayles, Stewart and Balcombe read a proclamation that noted early screening and education is important in fighting breast cancer. They also noted that people of color face a disparity in treatment and outcomes.
“Early detection made a decidedly difference to me,” said Leigh Bluestein, a cancer survivor and chief communications officer at Caring Matters in Gaithersburg.
Councilmembers @CM_Sayles, @MarilynBalcombe and @cmkatestewart present a proclamation recognizing October as #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth. pic.twitter.com/O7dfySHp2f
— Montgomery Council (@MoCoCouncilMD) October 1, 2024
