LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim November 2013, as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body hereby memorializes Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 2013, as Lung Cancer Awareness
Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both
men and women in the United States; affecting every ethnic population in
the State of New York, the United States and the world, this year kill-
ing more Americans than breast, prostate, colon, liver and ovarian
cancers combined; and
WHEREAS, In the United States in 2012, an estimated 226,160 people
were diagnosed with lung cancer and an estimated 160,340 people died
from lung cancer; this year, an estimated 159,480 Americans will die
from the disease; and
WHEREAS, In New York in 2012, approximately 13,620 people were diag-
nosed with lung cancer, and the disease cost approximately 8,880 people
their lives; and
WHEREAS, Although the one year relative survival rate for lung cancer
has increased significantly due to improvements in surgical techniques
and combined therapies, the five year survival rate for all stages of
lung cancer combined, tragically, is only 16%; and
WHEREAS, Only 15% of people are diagnosed with lung cancer at the
localized stage, for which the five-year survival rate is 52%, illus-
trating the importance of early detection in improving lung cancer
survival outcomes; and
WHEREAS, Cigarette smoking is by far the most significant risk factor
for and cause of lung cancer, with exposure to radon gas released from
soil and building materials considered to be the second leading cause;
other risk factors include second hand smoke, occupational and environ-
mental exposure to toxins and known carcinogens, and genetic abnor-
malities; and
WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that
80% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed in people who have quit smoking
or who have never smoked; and
WHEREAS, Lung cancer is a complex disease with treatment options
contingent on the specific nature of the disease in each patient; thus,
knowledge about the kind and stage of lung cancer will help determine
the treatment necessary; and
WHEREAS, Increased awareness and coordination among all stakeholders,
including federal and state government, providers, patient groups,
medical researchers, community leaders and organizations, businesses and
the public at large, is critical to promote the prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment of lung cancer; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 2013, as Lung
Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.