New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State recognize that good health is a key component of a long, productive and fulfilling life, and all New Yorkers support observances that raise public awareness concerning crucial health issues, including pancreatic cancer, which is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States; and

Whereas, this year, more than 37,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer nationwide and among them will be approximately 2,330 New Yorkers who will die from the disease; and

Whereas, as one of the most serious, untreatable and aggressive forms of cancer, pancreatic cancer is also the deadliest - with an overall mortality rate of 99 percent - and within the first year of diagnosis, 75 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die and only 5 percent survive more than five years; and

Whereas, pancreatic cancer can strike any person indiscriminate of age, race or gender, and although its symptoms are similar to those of many other illnesses, there may not be any obvious or visible signs in the early stages of the disease; as pancreatic cancer progresses, some of the more prevalent symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, unintentional or unexplained weight loss, upper or middle abdominal pain and yellowing of the skin; and

Whereas, as with all health issues, New Yorkers are encouraged to become better informed and aware of the risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer and how they can lead healthier lifestyles through smoking cessation, maintaining a low-fat diet, exercising regularly and having routine check-ups; and

Whereas, through vigilant and continuous medical research, health care professionals have made progress in combating many types of cancer with the hopes of ultimately finding a cure, yet the battle against pancreatic cancer has proven to be a slow and difficult one - therefore, medical service providers, educators, researchers and advocacy groups are encouraged to work in partnership and develop ways to inform people about pancreatic cancer and to ensure access to appropriate screening and health services;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby recognize November 2007 as Pancreatic 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