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Proclamation in Recognition of November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
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Whereas, over 37,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year in the United States and over 34,000 will die from the disease; and
Whereas, pancreatic cancer is the deadliest cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States; and
Whereas, seventy-five percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis and ninety-five percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first five years; and
Whereas, there is no cure for pancreatic cancer and there have been no significant improvements in early detection, treatment methods, or survival rates in the last 30 years; and
Whereas, when symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is usually too late for an optimistic prognosis, and the average life expectancy of those diagnosed with metastasis disease in only three to six months; and
Whereas, the good health and well-being of the residents of Rochester Hills are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments; and
Whereas, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the first and only national patient advocacy organization that serves the pancreatic cancer community in Michigan and nationwide by focusing its efforts on public policy, research funding, patient services, and public awareness and education related to developing effective treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer; and
Whereas, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its affiliates in Michigan support those patients currently battling pancreatic cancer, as well as to those who have lost their lives to the disease, and are committed to nothing less than a cure.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Mayor and City Council designate the month of November 2009 as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Rochester Hills.