“You have breast cancer.”

Those four words are something no one wants to hear.

But one in eight women will hear those words sometime in their lifetime.

To raise awareness, the Carbon County Commissioners adopted a proclamation on Thursday to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer by getting a mammogram and encouraging our community, organizations, churches, families and individuals to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control breast cancer and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to this disease,” the proclamation states.

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed form of cancer for women in the United States, and while treatment has advanced greatly, this type of cancer remains the second most leading cause of death for women as well.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that everyone has been affected by someone who had breast cancer, whether it was a family member, a wife, mother, daughter or friend.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich added that early detection is key when it comes to rates of successfully treating breast cancer.

He stressed the importance of having annual checks.

Breast cancer is not only a type of cancer for women, either. Approximately 2,000 men will be diagnosed with it this year as well.

So be proactive. If you feel a lump, talk to your doctor.

If you are old enough, schedule your mammogram.

“It is very important to for screening to get done,” Ahner said. “I encourage everybody to get checked. Don’t put it off. Don’t think you are invincible.”