Members of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors proclaimed February 2025 “National Cancer Prevention Month” in San Joaquin County at their meeting earlier this month.

The action came at the request of Supervisor Robert Rickman, who represents Escalon on the county board.

“Cancer continues to afflict so many in our communities and devastate families whose loved ones battle, and all too often, lose their battle to this disease. I feel it is incumbent upon our Board and the County, to ensure that we enhance awareness and highlight services available,” said Supervisor Rickman.

Accepting the recognition was cancer survivor, San Joaquin County Planning Commissioner and US Ambassador for World Cancer Care Charitable Society, Jass Sangha.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month; the federal government estimates that two million Americans were diagnosed with cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) during 2024, and that more than 600,000 died from their disease. Research shows that more than 40 percent of these cases and nearly half of the deaths can be attributed to preventable causes – smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun, among others.

In San Joaquin County, St. Joseph’s Cancer Institute has an accredited cancer program and provides support services. The National Cancer Institute provides county cancer statistics.