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, Carcinoid Cancer is a rare form of neuroendocrine cancer resulting from changes in the gasterointestinal system neuroendocrine cells that cause these cells to grow excessively and form slow growing microscopic tumors - if not treated, the tumors can expand and ultimately lead to death; and

Whereas, Carcinoid Cancer is known to affect approximately 80,000 people in the United States each year, including many from New York State; and

Whereas, because it has numerous symptoms similar to other diseases, Carcinoid Cancer is commonly misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed; and

Whereas, even after diagnosis, many patients will go untreated since it is generally believed that Carcinoid tumors are benign and slow-growing; and

Whereas, it is important that health care providers and the public become more aware of and sensitive to the symptoms of this disease, and to the needs of Carcinoid patients and their caregivers; and

Whereas, it is also vital to ensure that public education and medical services are available to reduce the number of misdiagnoses of Carcinoid patients and to enable early detection and treatment options to enhance quality of life and survival rate of Carcinoid patients, with the hopes of one day finding a cure;

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

Given 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