Health

County Administration Center Turns Pink

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The County Administration Center (CAC) will turn pink for the entire month of October to raise awareness about breast cancer.

At the request of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego, exterior light fixtures at the CAC will be covered by pink tinted panels during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“This is an important cause and we are happy to support it,” said Chairman Bill Horn, County Board of Supervisors. “The Susan G. Komen is a great organization that is helping to save people’s lives.”

Breast cancer is a widespread disease that affects women and men of all ages and races. It is the most prevalent cancer in the world today, with about 1.3 million people diagnosed every year.

Mammograms continue to be the best available method to detect breast cancer early. The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 40 and older get a mammogram every year.

“There are certain things women can do diminish their risk of getting breast cancer and increase their odds of survival,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County of San Diego Public Health Officer. “Knowing the most common risk factors for breast cancer and seeing a doctor for regular check-ups may help reduce a person’s chance of developing the disease or help detect it early when it’s most treatable.”
 
The most common risks for developing breast cancer include:

  • Gender (About 100 times more common in women than men)
  • Age (Especially high for women ages 60 and older)
  • Personal History (Women who have had it may get it again)
  • Family History (Higher risk for women whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives have had the disease)

Poor diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking are other risk factors.   

For more information about breast cancer and mammograms, visit the American Cancer Society’s website.