Recognizing the month of February as National Cancer Prevention Month and acknowledging the disproportionate impact of cancer on the Black community.

WHEREAS, Raising awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, treatment options, and survivorship is crucial in the fight against this disease; and

WHEREAS, Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, as an article published by the American Cancer Society estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed and over 600,000 cancer deaths in 2023; and

WHEREAS, A

s we conclude Black History Month and National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, it is important to acknowledge the disproportionate impact cancer has on the Black community, with higher incidence rates, later-stage diagnoses, and lower survival rates for many types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women despite similar diagnosis rates, and Black men experience the highest prostate cancer rates in the world, being twice as likely to die from the disease than White men; and

WHEREAS, Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages due to systemic barriers such as limited access to healthcare, financial constraints, implicit bias in medical treatment, and lower rates of preventive screenings; and

WHEREAS, The Drexel University Urban Health Collaborative reported that in 2016, Philadelphia saw 7,972 new cancer diagnoses and 3,127 cancer-related deaths; and

WHEREAS, I

t is crucial to educate communities, support patients and families, and advocate for continued research and equitable healthcare access for all, particularly during the month of February in honor of National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, As we reflect on the urgency of cancer awareness and the challenges faced by the Black community, it is essential to commit to continued efforts in reducing disparities, improving healthcare access, and promoting policies that prioritize the health and well-being of all individuals, particularly those disproportionately affected by cancer, ensuring a future where everyone, regardless of race or background, has an equal opportunity for prevention, early detection, and treatment; now, therefore, be it,

RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes the month of February as National Cancer Prevention Month.

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