BOISE, ID - The Idaho Montana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen proudly announces that Governor Otter has proclaimed October 13, 2017 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Idaho. Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer) is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body (most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain).
In the U.S., it’s estimated that at least 154,000 people have metastatic breast cancer. Most often, metastatic breast cancer develops when the cancer returns at some point after the initial breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Governor’s Proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS, thousands of families across Idaho are affected by metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, much of the talk around breast cancer focuses on early detection and routine diagnosis, where we have seen tremendous progress in the last 30 years; and
WHEREAS, the story for advanced disease is quite different. Metastatic breast cancer patients continue to face many unique challenges, such as the emotional and physical demands of continual treatment; and
WHEREAS, currently no cure exists for metastatic breast cancer and those with metastatic breast cancer will continue treatment indefinitely with the goal of extending the best quality life possible; and
WHEREAS, more than one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetimes. Specifically in Idaho, it is expected that 1,080 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017; and
WHEREAS, in the U.S., it’s estimated that over 154,000 women have metastatic breast cancer. This devastating stage of breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver and brain; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, it is estimated that more than 190 women in Idaho will die of breast cancer, nearly all due to metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, metastatic breast cancer affects all races and socioeconomic classes. Although white women see the greatest incidence of breast cancer the mortality rate for African-American women with breast cancer is higher than in white women, and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for Hispanic women; and
WHEREAS, any discussions of breast cancer should include the spectrum from screening through the treatment and support of those with metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, the patient, family, health, and economic burdens of metastatic breast cancer are large; and
WHEREAS, metastatic breast cancer cuts short the lives of too many people in Idaho, leaving a lasting effect on their families; and
WHEREAS, while there have been treatment advances in metastatic breast cancer, many of those advances have benefitted a small subset of patients with specific types of metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, while metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, there is reason to be hopeful. Extensive research efforts are underway to address this high unmet need; and
WHEREAS, ClinicalTrials.gov is a searchable database which provides patients, family members and the public with information about current ongoing clinical research studies; and
WHEREAS, additional focus is needed on the personal and social burdens of metastatic breast cancer, the needs of the patient, and promising research efforts in the development of more effective treatments; and
WHEREAS, there is still more research to be done for metastatic breast cancer so that new and more effective treatments can be developed. Idaho will continue to push for critical research and advanced treatments for metastatic breast cancer. We are honored to participate in observation of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, and to shed light on the devastation metastatic breast cancer brings to communities throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can speak with their physician to learn more about the disease, and find support groups and services in their community or online; and
WHEREAS, on this day, we ask the citizens of Idaho to become informed and aware of metastatic breast cancer;
THEREFORE, be it resolved, that Idaho does hereby proclaim October 13, 2017 as “Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day”.
