The Hillsborough Township Committee recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month during its meeting on Oct. 13, marking the annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease, encourage early detection, and support research to find a cure.
“We urge all women and their families to increase their knowledge about breast cancer and join us to celebrate successes and memorialize lost battles,” Mayor Doug Tomson said during the meeting, according to a statement provided by the township.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that in the United States, more than 276,480 female and 2,620 male new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year. While breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, both men and women should be aware that age, genetics and family history are factors that can contribute to the risk of developing this disease.
Kathleen Cirioli, a three-time cancer survivor, and Joanne Liscovitz are co-founders of Dance for the Cure, a non-profit organization committed to the prevention and cure of breast cancer through the celebration of dance, providing financial assistance to local women impacted by breast cancer with donations totaling more than $700,000 since its founding in 1999, according to the statement.
Township employees were in full force, wearing pink for breast cancer awareness. Municipal employees came dressed in all shades of pink shirts and the crew at the Department of Public Works wore pink safety vests. Employees joined Cirioli and Liscovitz in tying pink ribbons around the municipal building to recognize the month-long event, according to the statement.