SMETHPORT — McKean County commissioners have proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the county.

During the commissioners’ meeting Tuesday morning, Commissioner Carol Duffy read the proclamation that states every woman in the county is at risk for breast cancer even if there is no family history or risk factors for the disease.

“Awareness, screening and knowledge of risk factors lead to early diagnosis, reduction in deaths, and an increase in lives saved from this disease,” the proclamation continues.

Breast cancer is a disease that greatly impacts children and families in our communities with the diagnosis of a female family member, or the small percentage of diagnosis in men, according to the proclamation.

The years of 2020 and 2021 have posed a significant challenge for all individuals to complete physicals, screenings and testing, especially for women.

“McKean County,” the proclamation states, “joins the national research and preventive care campaign partners, including the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society. We join the local efforts of these organizations including Relay for Life, Rally for a Cure and Ski for Cancer to work together to reduce the impact of breast cancer in women, our families and our communities.”