RESOLUTION
Declaring November "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Chicago
WHEREAS, in 2013, an estimated 45,220 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States and 38,460 will die from the disease; and
WHEREAS, Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and is the only major cancer with a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits at just six percent; and
WHEREAS, when symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is late stage, and 73 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis while 94 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first five years;
WHEREAS, approximately 1600 deaths will occur in Illinois in 2013; and
WHEREAS, the incidence and death rate for pancreatic cancer are increasing and pancreatic cancer is anticipated to move from the fourth to the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. by 2020; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress passed the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act last year, which calls on the National Cancer Institute to develop scientific frameworks, or strategic plans, for pancreatic cancer and other deadly cancers, which will help provide the strategic direction and guidance needed to make true progress against these diseases; and
WHEREAS, it will be very difficult to leverage the opportunities that come out of the scientific framework developed as a result of the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act unless sustained and adequate funding is provided to the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute; and
WHEREAS, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization serving the pancreatic cancer community in Chicago and nationwide through a comprehensive approach that includes public policy, research funding, patient services, 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 Chicago 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; and
WHEREAS, the good health and well-being of the residents of Chicago are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Brendan Reilly, Alderman of the 42nd ward has apprised this august body of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council assembled this thirteenth day of November, 2013, do hereby designate the month of November as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in Chicago.
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