WHEREAS, according to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that 182,460 new cases of breast cancer in females will be diagnosed in the United States in 2008, with an estimated 40,480 deaths in that same period of time; and

WHEREAS, of that number, 1,180 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the State of Nevada with an estimated 330 deaths during that same time period; and

WHEREAS, according to the American Cancer Society, the latest figures show more than 90% of breast cancers are now diagnosed at a local or regional stage, where five year survival rates are 97% and 79%, respectfully; and

WHEREAS, education about the importance of annual mammograms is essential in preventing breast cancer deaths; and

WHEREAS, in Nevada, 70.7% of the women 40 and over had mammograms within the past two years, which places Nevada near the bottom of states with the lowest percentages of mammograms per capita, according to the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2000 census, there are 420,350 women 40 years and over in the State of Nevada who need to be aware of the importance of early detection for breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, it is vital that we work together to support events such as Breast Cancer Awareness Day in a concerted effort to educate Nevada’s women and help to prevent more breast cancer deaths;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2008 as,