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WHEREAS, Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow and is called “multiple” because it can occur in various sites in the body. Multiple myeloma causes a variety of adverse health effects, including a weakened immune system, anemia, kidney damage and bone deterioration; and,
WHEREAS, Multiple Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer worldwide currently affecting more than 100,000 people in the United States, with about 30,330 new cases diagnosed and 12, 650 deaths from the disease in 2016, according the National Cancer Institute; and,
WHEREAS, once predominately found among those 65 and over, where it continues to be most frequently diagnosed, Multiple Myeloma is increasingly being identified in younger individuals including those in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and is twice as likely to occur among African Americans and is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among African Americans; and,
WHEREAS, the cause of Multiple Myeloma is unknown but there is robust research into potential genetic, environmental and other risk factors so as to determine safe and effective treatments; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and support greater awareness of Multiple Myeloma among clinicians and the general public in order to lead to early detection, treatment, better health outcomes and family services; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare the month of March 2019, to be “MULTIPLE MYELOMA ACTION MONTH” in the City of Pittsburgh.