Access the full proclamation here. The full text of the proclamation is included below.
Proclamation from the Governor of the State of Maryland
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 2026
Whereas, According to the American Cancer Society, in 2026, approximately 6,290 Maryland women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 810 will die from the disease, making breast cancer the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Maryland after lung cancer; and
Whereas, In Maryland, Black women face higher breast cancer mortality rates than other groups, highlighting a crucial health disparity; and
Whereas, Research indicates that screening mammograms can reduce breast cancer deaths; and
Whereas, Early detection of breast cancer is vital to the health and well-being of all Maryland residents, including men and transgender persons; and
Whereas, The Maryland Department of Health encourages all Maryland residents to know their breast cancer risk, learn ways to reduce the risk, and speak to their health care provider about prevention and early detection; and
Whereas, The Maryland Department of Health has programs that assist eligible uninsured and underinsured Maryland residents with no-cost breast cancer screening and follow-up, diagnosis, and treatment services; and
Whereas, During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the State of Maryland reaffirms our commitment to supporting breast cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship, and research efforts and to ensuring that all Maryland residents are aware of the breast cancer resources available to them.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH in Maryland, and do commend this observation to all of our citizens.
