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WHEREAS, the third annual World Pancreatic Cancer Day took place Thursday, Nov. 17, to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and create hope for those fighting the deadly disease; and
WHEREAS, the one-day campaign is a global initiative led by the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition which comprises more than 50 pancreatic cancer advocacy organizations from over 20 countries; and
WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer is the only major cancer with a five-year survival rate in the single digits, despite advancements in treating other major cancers, there is still no early detection method for pancreatic cancer; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, an estimated 53,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers in our country, and approximately 2,100 deaths will occur in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer surpassed breast cancer this year to become the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and is projected to become the second leading cause by 2020; and
WHEREAS, studies have shown that death rates for pancreatic cancer are increasing, while declining for most other cancers; and
WHEREAS, when symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is generally in later stages, and 71 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, advocates hope greater awareness will lead to improved public awareness about the disease and its symptoms, increased enrollment in clinical trials to improve treatment options, and encourage legislative action and support that could translate into increased research funding; and
WHEREAS, the good health and well-being of the residents of Pittsburgh are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes and effective treatments; and
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition and Elina Mukherjee for their work to bring awareness to this deadly disease; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare November 17th, 2016 to be “World Pancreatic Cancer Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.