The Natchitoches City Council recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month during its Oct. 12 meeting, adopting Resolution No. 067-2026 and presenting the recognition to longtime breast cancer survivor and advocate Wanda Lucas.
Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. proclaimed October 2026 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Natchitoches, encouraging residents to recognize the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and continued support for those affected by the disease.
The proclamation noted that breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women in the United States, with approximately one in eight women diagnosed during their lifetime. It also emphasized mammography as an important method of detecting breast changes before physical symptoms become noticeable.
The theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 is “Every Story Is Unique. Every Journey Matters.” The theme encourages survivors, patients, families, healthcare providers, and supporters to share their personal experiences and reasons for advocating breast cancer awareness.
During the meeting, Williams emphasized the importance of recognizing a disease that has affected so many families and communities.
“I think everybody knows somebody who’s been impacted by it,” Williams said, encouraging residents to prioritize screenings and early detection.
Williams also acknowledged that although breast cancer overwhelmingly affects women, men can develop the disease as well.
The proclamation recognized survivors, honored those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, and acknowledged the families, advocates, and medical professionals who provide support throughout treatment and recovery.
Wanda Lucas, a Natchitoches native, author, motivational speaker, and breast cancer advocate, was recognized during the meeting as the intended recipient of the proclamation.
Lucas is a nearly 23-year survivor of stage four inflammatory breast cancer and the founder of CARE Cancer Buddy Network, an organization dedicated to providing encouragement, emotional support, compassion, and companionship to individuals battling cancer.
She has also authored two books reflecting her personal journey through the disease.
Although the physical proclamation was not available during the meeting, Lucas was invited forward to be recognized and share remarks about her experience.
“My name is Wanda Lucas, and I am a 22, almost 23-year breast cancer survivor,” Lucas said.
She emphasized that her advocacy extends beyond breast cancer to individuals facing all forms of cancer, while reminding those in attendance that the disease does not exclusively affect women.
“I advocate and promote the opportunity to be able to go out and serve, not just breast cancer, but all cancers,” Lucas said.
Lucas expressed gratitude for the recognition and accepted it on behalf of those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
“I am honored to be able to receive and accept the proclamation on behalf of all survivors, their families, the ones who lost the fight, and to the City of Natchitoches,” she said.
Her message of advocacy and encouragement centers on a simple belief: “As long as there is life, there is hope.”
The proclamation encourages residents to promote breast cancer awareness throughout October and beyond, emphasizing early detection, timely treatment, and continued support for patients, survivors, and their families.