HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-13 - Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2023Proclamation
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November 2023
WHEREAS, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United
States, accounting for more deaths than colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined; and
WHEREAS, the 5-year survival rate for localized lung cancer is ~60%, yet only ~24% of lung cancers are
diagnosed at this stage; and
WHEREAS, screening for lung cancer for high-risk individuals using low-dose computed tomography can lead
to the earlier detection of lung cancer and save lives; and
WHEREAS, funding for lung cancer research trails far behind funding for research of many other cancers, and
additional research is needed in early diagnosis, screening, and treatment for lung cancer as well as in lung cancer
affecting women and lung cancer health disparities; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 “State of Lung Cancer” report shows that only 5.8% of eligible Americans have been
screened for lung cancer, and some states have screening rates as low as 1%; and
WHEREAS, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among individuals who never smoked and the second
leading cause of lung cancer overall; and
WHEREAS, lung cancer research is leading to breakthroughs in the identification of genetic alterations
associated with lung cancer and in the development of lung cancer treatments, including immunotherapies and
targeted therapies; and
WHEREAS, organizations such as the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative and Women’s Lung Cancer
Forum are committed to increasing lung cancer awareness and screening rates across the country.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lydia Kou, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do
hereby proclaim November 2023 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Palo Alto and encourage all
citizens to learn about lung cancer and early detection through lung cancer screening.
Presented: November 13, 2023
______________________________
Lydia Kou
Mayor