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WHEREAS, cervical cancer, which is caused by the very common and easily transmissible Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is the second most common cancer in women in the world; and
WHEREAS, it is critical to highlight issues related to cervical cancer, HPV disease, and the importance of early detection and cervical health awareness; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, nearly 12,000 women in the United States (including and 450 in Pennsylvania) were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 4,000 died of the disease; and
WHEREAS, the value of Pap smears to cervical cancer prevention is critical; cervical cancer rates have dropped nearly 80% since Pap smears became the standard of care for American women; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress designated January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month sends the message that we must rededicate ourselves to the work of ensuring that women know that they can best reduce their chances of getting cervical cancer by obtaining regular Pap smears, getting vaccinated against HPV, and not smoking; and
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh is blessed with many organizations like Planned Parenthood of Western PA that work tirelessly every day to ensure that citizens of our city have access to reproductive health care that will help prevent cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, the best way to prevent the development of cervical cancer is to prevent infection in the first place with the HPV vaccine.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim January, 2014 as "Cervical Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Pittsburgh.