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Commissioners declare October to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month

T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA Belmont County Health Department Director of Nursing Gabby Timko holds a proclamation declaring October to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Belmont County Commissioners J.P. Dutton, left, and Josh Meyer.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Board of Commissioners proclaimed October to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The proclamation came Wednesday morning with Belmont County Health Department Director of Nursing Gabby Timko in attendance. The meeting began with Timko informing the commissioners about the history of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She said the observance started in 1985 to promote mammograms as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. The awareness month was founded by a joint coalition between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries.

She added that according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in 2024 more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

“When caught in its earliest stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%,” Timko said.

“Breast cancer does not discriminate. Most often it’s thought of to only affect women, but it also affects men. One in every 100 breast cancers that are diagnosed are in men.”

She added that the Ohio Department of Health has the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System, which collects information and analyzes all cancer incidence data on Ohio residents.

The ODH states that the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System uses Web Plus to collect cancer data from healthcare facilities and providers in Ohio.

Web Plus is a web-based application that collects cancer data securely over the internet. The application was developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

National Program of Cancer Registries. Web Plus supports three main functions — file

upload and download, online abstracting and follow-back activities.

Timko then gave a few tips for residents to help lower their risk of breast cancer. She said it is important to maintain a healthy weight and be physically active. She also recommends staying away from alcohol if taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills.

She mentioned that residents need to be aware of their genetic risks and learn about their family medical history if they aren’t already familiar.

“Unfortunately, some people don’t know that they are at risk until it is too late, so just remember to do monthly breast exams, keep an eye on your risk factors, follow up with a gynecologist regularly, get a yearly mammogram if eligible and voice your concerns,” Timko added. “A lot of people know their body better than anybody else. A lot of times you have that little internal thing that tells you something’s wrong without anything else showing that.”

She then clarified that people 40 years and older would be eligible for a yearly mammogram, but if a woman has a family history of breast cancer, it is recommended that mammograms begin at age 30-35.

Commissioner Josh Meyer thanked Timko for the information and added that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an occasion he holds near to his heart. Meyer’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer but has since recovered.

“It’s just a big deal, especially when it affects your mom,” Meyer said. “I get my stubbornness from my mom in a lot of ways. She was stubborn and had a lump and didn’t deal with it, and then it grew. Thankfully it was capsulated and did not spread. She had a mastectomy and is doing well today.”

He added that although she has since recovered, she still takes medication and follows up with her doctors. He reiterated that he is delighted she is now doing well.

“It’s very important for women and, as you mentioned, men to be aware that there is that possibility out there,” Meyer said.

He then proceeded to read the proclamation declaring October to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We recognize breast cancer survivors, those battling the disease, their families, friends, and coworkers who are a source of love, and encouragement. And support and applaud the efforts of medical professionals and researchers working to find a cure for this deadly disease.

And whereas National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to unite all citizens of Belmont County to raise awareness of the disease,” Meyer read from the proclamation.

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