Nancy Partridge, left, accepts Los Alamos County Council’s proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, from Councilor Theresa Cull during. Photo Courtesy LAC

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Los Alamos County Council on Tuesday evening approved a proclamation declaring October Breast Cancer Awareness. The proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Breast cancer incidence rates have been increasing in women under 50 with about 85% of breast cancers occurring in women with no family history; and WHEREAS, this year in the United States there will be nearly 322,000 new cases of breast cancer among women and 2,700 in men; and WHEREAS, advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years; and WHEREAS, funding for research, public education about symptoms, insurance coverage for diagnostic testing, early detection, and affordable treatments are key to fighting breast cancer, while lack of healthcare workers in rural areas of New Mexico is a major obstacle to survival; and WHEREAS, New Mexico has one of the lowest cancer screening rates in the nation, leading to cancer being the second leading cause of death among New Mexicans and a below-average 64.4% five-year survival rate.NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim October 2026 as “BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN LOS ALAMOS COUNTY”and I encourage everyone to learn about the causes and risk factors of breast cancer, how to screen for breast cancer effectively and notice the early warning signs, and how effective treatment is administered. DATED this 29th day of September 2026.

After accepting the proclamaton, Nancy Partridge noted that declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a positive step.

“New Mexico faces particularly unique challenges when it comes to cancer. As documented in the New Mexico Cancer Plan 2026-2031, Our state has the lowest cancer screening rate in the nation. And the 6th lowest cancer survival rate in the nation,” Partridge said. “While Los Alamos is regularly recognized for being one of the healthiest places to live in the nation, it is also a place people leave to seek cancer treatment. 66% of respondents to the Los Alamos Health Care Quality and Accessibility Survey stated they have sought health care outside of Los Alamos County; and, the most frequent provider needed wasspecialty care such as oncology.”

Partridge said these are things that are important to be aware of, not only in October, but year-round.

“Let’s keep the conversation going beyond this Proclamation. When you talk to your constituents, please talk about: Donating funding for cancer research, educate people about symptoms, support laws requiring coverage for diagnostic testing, talk about the importance of early detection, and support organizations that are helping patients face the financial devastation of a cancer diagnosis,” she said. “And just as important – work with the local and regional hospitals to attract healthcare workers, especially oncology specialists. Thank you for issuing this Proclamation. Let’s make it a beginning.”