Lacey City Council proclaims February as Cancer Prevention Month

The Lacey City Council proclaimed February as Cancer Prevention Month, emphasizing the importance of prevention, early detection and community initiatives in the fight against the disease. 

The proclamation, read by council members, highlighted the significant impact of cancer in Washington, noting that approximately 42,000 residents are diagnosed with the disease each year and more than 12,000 lives are lost annually. 

"Prevention plays a critical role in reducing cancer incidences, and studies show that up to 50% of cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices, including a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, avoidance of tobacco and limited alcohol consumption," the proclamation stated. 

During the council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, Mayor Andy Ryder shared his own experience with prostate cancer, revealing that he was diagnosed with the disease last year but is now likely to be cancer-free. 

"Last year around this time, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and it was a scary time in my life," Ryder said. 

"But luckily, I caught it early and had really good treatment options here in the Pacific Northwest, and I just got my first blood work done after my treatment, and everything looks good, looks like I’m cancer-free." 

Ryder underscored the importance of early detection and the availability of effective treatment options, a message he emphasized to the community. 

"It really is prevention, testing and early detection that makes all the difference," Ryder said. "And so, it is so important you just never think it's going to be yourself right until you get tested and you find yourself in this situation." 

Representatives from the American Cancer Society, including Nicole Woolsey, attended the meeting to express their gratitude for the city's support and commitment to cancer prevention. 

"It really means a lot to us that you included us today and that you stand with the American Cancer Society to educate your community and our neighbors, friends and family about prevention and about testing," Woolsey said.