Alaska Governor Proclaims February 4th Cancer Awareness Day
JUNEAU, AK – , has been officially designated as Cancer Awareness Day in Alaska, according to a proclamation issued today by Governor Mike Dunleavy. The proclamation encourages all Alaskans to educate themselves about the risks of developing cancer, raise awareness of the disease, and support those affected by it.
The proclamation highlights the significant impact cancer has on the state. Cancer is currently the leading cause of death in Alaska, accounting for approximately 21 percent of all deaths. More than 3,400 Alaskans are diagnosed with various forms of cancer each year, and the economic burden of cancer care continues to grow, mirroring national trends where treatment costs exceed $200 billion annually.
Governor Dunleavy’s proclamation acknowledges the diverse nature of cancer, specifically naming Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer as the four most common types. It also draws attention to Lobular Breast Cancer, a less common form that can be challenging to detect early due to its subtle growth pattern, and Melanoma, a serious skin cancer that can spread rapidly if not caught in its initial stages.
The proclamation emphasizes the importance of Alaskans being aware of their family health history and discussing early screening options with medical providers, particularly if they have a genetic or hereditary risk for developing cancer. Early detection is identified as crucial for ensuring the best possible prognosis.
While acknowledging the difficulties in the fight against cancer, the proclamation expresses encouragement regarding ongoing research into more effective treatments and advancements in early detection methods. These advancements are being driven by improvements in public policy, research funding, patient services, public education, and general awareness initiatives.
The proclamation further recognizes the vital role of scientists, stating that their “hard work and ingenuity provides hope for those who are, and may be, impacted by cancer.”
Here’s not the first time Governor Dunleavy has proclaimed February 4th as Cancer Awareness Day in Alaska. Similar proclamations were issued on , and , underscoring the state’s ongoing commitment to addressing this critical health issue.
The Governor’s office routinely issues proclamations recognizing various causes, issues, and events important to Alaskans. Other recent proclamations include those for Republic Day of India (), Career and Technical Education Month (), Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (), and Black History Month ().
