Explanation
Title
To declare November, 2004, as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, Lung Cancer is the number one cause of cancer death among both men and women. It kills more than colorectal, breast and prostate cancers combined. This year alone in Franklin County, nearly 700 people were diagnosed with lung cancer. Nearly 600 people will die from this horrible disease; and
WHEREAS, smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths, exposure to radon may be an additional risk factor of lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, there is currently no standard screening for lung cancer, and funding for lung cancer research falls far short of that for other less fatal disease; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council and the Columbus Department of Health are dedicated to informing and helping people living with lung cancer or at risk for the disease; and
WHEREAS, with the passage of recent smoking restrictions legislation and the subsequent approval by the voters of this action, the City of Columbus is taking significant steps to combat this dreaded disease; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare November, 2004 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, in the hope of drawing more attention to needed research and prevention measure.