Rep. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), who has introduced several proposals to combat breast cancer and promote early detection of the disease, has introduced House Resolution 411, naming October Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan. The measure passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“The fight against breast cancer must be unrelenting, because the disease has robbed too many families of mothers, daughters, sisters and cousins,” Brinks said. “Treatment and prevention begin with awareness and knowledge. I’m glad to call attention to this devastating disease so that more women will be aware of the importance of early detection and treatment.”

Brinks has made combatting breast cancer an important priority at the state Capitol. There were 7,329 cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Michigan in 2011, and 1,424 breast cancer deaths in 2012, the last years for which information was available from the Michigan Department of Community Health.

“Declaring October to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan is a good start, but it is only a start,” Brinks said. “Treatment is most effective when started early, which is why calling attention to breast cancer is so important. I thank my colleagues for passing this resolution and raising awareness about breast cancer in Michigan.”