Proclaiming November, 2012 as "Lung Cancer Awareness Month" in Philadelphia and urging all who work, live, or study in the City to learn more about lung cancer and lung cancer prevention while taking steps toward making lung cancer a public health priority.

WHEREAS, Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in Pennsylvania and the United States according to the American Cancer Society; and

WHEREAS, Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer in both men and women. In 2012, an estimated 160,340 deaths, accounting for about 28% of all cancer deaths, are expected to occur; and

WHEREAS, Cigarette smoking is by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer and risk increases with both quantity and duration of smoking; and

WHEREAS, Exposure to radon gas released from soil and building materials is estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in Europe and North America; and

WHEREAS, Spiral CT is the new standard of testing for lung cancer in current and former heavy smokers, showing 20% fewer lung cancer deaths and new research continues to make progress every year; now therefore,

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby proclaims November, 2012 as “Lung Cancer Awareness Month” in Philadelphia and urging all who work, live, or study in the City to learn more about lung cancer and lung cancer prevention while taking steps toward making lung cancer a public health priority.

End