Explanation
Title
To declare November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, over 31,860 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the mortality rate for pancreatic cancer is 99 percent, the highest of any cancer; and
WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer is the 4th most common cause of cancer death for men and women in the United States; and
WHEREAS, there are no early detection methods and minimal treatment options for pancreatic cancer; and
WHEREAS, when symptoms of pancreatic cancer generally present themselves, it is too late for an optimistic prognosis, and the average survival rate of those diagnosed with metastasis disease is only 3 to 6 months; and
WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer does not discriminate by age, gender, or race, and only 4 percent of patients survive beyond 5 years; and
WHEREAS, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Pan CAN), the only national advocacy organization for pancreatic cancer patients, facilitates awareness, patient support, professional education, and advocacy for pancreatic cancer research funding, with a view to ultimately developing a cure for pancreatic cancer; and
WHEREAS, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has requested that the City of Columbus designate November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in order to educate communities across the Nation about pancreatic cancer and the need for research funding, early detection methods, effective treatments, and prevention programs; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we do hereby support the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.