New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, the citizens of the Empire value the benefits of good health, recognizing that it is the key component of a long, productive and fulfilling life, and we support observances that raise public awareness concerning urgent health matters - one of the most pressing issues today being the various forms of cancer that affect people of all races, nationalities, and socioeconomic backgrounds; and

Whereas, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in New York State and the United States, and will kill approximately 163,5100 Americans and 9,220 New Yorkers, exceeding the number who die from breast, prostate, colorectal, liver and kidney cancers, and melanoma, combined; and

Whereas, it is estimated that while 87 percent of lung cancer is caused by smoking, the disease also strikes many people who never smoked but were exposed to asbestos, radon, passive smoke, diesel fuel or other chemicals; and

Whereas, the best way to prevent lung cancer is not to smoke and since nearly 90 percent of current smokers started at or before eighteen years of age, parents are encouraged to discuss with their children the dangerous effects of smoking on the lungs; and

Whereas, early detection is critically important to increasing the survival rate of all cancers, especially lung cancer, since the early symptoms are vague or nonexistent, and when individuals are diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, their chances of achieving five-year survival can be as high as 85 percent; and

Whereas, it is in the interest of New York State to promote the health and well-being of its citizens through public awareness and education about the prevention of all diseases, including lung cancer, and we support the goals of this and all causes dedicated to informing and helping people living with lung cancer or at risk for the disease;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby recognize November 2007 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-fifth day of October in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor