The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is encouraging residents to prioritize breast cancer prevention, early detection, and access to treatment during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
Breast cancer is the second most common and deadliest cancer among women worldwide. The American Cancer Society reports that one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Regular mammogram screenings every one to two years are considered important for early detection.
Tonya Laney, Director of the Nevada DMV, shared her personal experience with breast cancer. “I am busy, but I am also alive because I made time,” said Laney. “In October 2024, a few community reminders nudged me to schedule a mammogram I was overdue for and that appointment changed everything.”
Laney continued, “A suspicious spot led to an ultrasound, then a biopsy. On my birthday, I was diagnosed with ER/PR positive breast cancer. Since then, I’ve undergone a mastectomy with reconstruction, 25 rounds of radiation, and I’m now on hormone therapy for the next five years. It hasn’t been easy—but I am here. I am healing. I am a warrior.”
“I share this not for sympathy, but for awareness. I almost let ‘busy’ be the reason I didn’t catch it in time,” said Laney. “Please, make the time. Your life is worth it.”
The DMV offers several charitable license plates, including one supporting breast cancer awareness. More information about these plates can be found at this link.