HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-06 Lung Cancer Awareness Month
LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH November 2024
WHEREAS, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. accounting for more deaths than colon cancer,
breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were 40,796 new lung
cancer cases and 11,860 deaths from lung cancer between 2017 and 2021 in Santa Clara County; and
WHEREAS, lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked is the 7th leading cause of cancer-related death, and
accounts for 17,000-26,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. 60-70% of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer who never
smoked are women, and the proportion of lung cancers diagnosed in people who never smoked is increasing in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, the stigma surrounding lung cancer creates barriers to early diagnosis, treatment, and funding for research,
and has a detrimental impact on the quality of life of people diagnosed with lung cancer, hindering awareness of and research
into risk factors other than smoking. The 5-year survival rate for localized lung cancer is approximately 60%, yet only about
24% of lung cancers are diagnosed at this stage. Lung cancer screening 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. Additional
research is needed in early diagnosis, screening, treatment, and health disparities. Breakthrough research is identifying
genetic alterations associated with lung cancer and further developing treatments, including immunotherapies and targeted
therapies. However, lung cancer incidence is decreasing twice as fast in men as it is in women. Each year, more women die
from lung cancer than breast cancer. By 2035, more women are projected to die from lung cancer than men. African
Americans have the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality of all races, and disparities in lung cancer screening,
diagnosis, treatment, and mortality are well characterized among African Americans and other racial minorities; and
WHEREAS, organizations working in Palo Alto, such as the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative and Women’s
Lung Cancer Forum are committed to educating about lung cancer and lung cancer screening and working to increase lung
cancer screening rates in Palo Alto.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, do hereby recognize November 2024 as Lung
Cancer Awareness Month, recognize the need for research in lung cancer and lung cancer health disparities, and encourage
all citizens to learn about lung cancer and early detection through lung cancer screening.
Presented: November 6, 2024
______________________________ Greer Stone Mayor
Proclamation