Cancer strikes in many forms, and has touched most Californians' lives in some way. While it remains one of our deadliest illnesses, new prevention methods, tests and treatments have greatly reduced the incidence of some forms of cancer, including cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer used to be one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in the United States. However, thanks in large part to the advent of the Pap Test, the death rate has dropped by nearly 70% since the 1950s. With the more recent development of a vaccine against the cancer-causing human papillomavirus, we have even more powerful tools to prevent this cancer and save even more lives.
While we celebrate these successes, cervical cancer will still claim the lives of nearly 4,000 American women this year. Because cervical cancer is nearly symptom-free, early detection through regular screenings is key to treatment. I encourage all women in California to learn about the risks of cervical cancer and the prevention and screening options available to them.
NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim January 2012, as “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 6th day of January 2012.
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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California
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