Governor Proclaims Curing Stomach Cancer Month 2022

WHEREAS, stomach cancer is among the cancers with the lowest five-year survival rates and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death; and

WHEREAS, of 27,600 new cases diagnosed a year in the United States, more than 11,000 will die in the first year following diagnosis; it is estimated that more than 116,525 people are currently living with stomach cancer in the United States; and

WHEREAS, patients diagnosed with stomach cancer at Stage IV have a 4 percent survival rate, and the overall five-year survival rate of people with stomach cancer in the United States is 31 percent; stomach cancer mortality rates have remained relatively unchanged for the past 30 years; and

WHEREAS, age, diet, and stomach disease can affect one's risk of developing stomach cancer, which is most frequently diagnosed among people ages 65 – 74; still, the rate of stomach cancer in some young adults ages 25 – 39 has increased significantly since 1977; and

WHEREAS, because its symptoms, including loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting, can easily be confused with other conditions, stomach cancer may often be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until a late stage, and like most cancers, the stage at diagnosis affects the chances of recovery and treatment options; and

WHEREAS, through treatment, it is possible to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, and, if operable, surgery can cure stomach cancer as long as all cancerous tissue can be removed; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages its people to be aware of the risk factors, dangers, prevalence, signs, and symptoms of stomach cancer so that proper treatment and care can be sought through early detection and diagnosis;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November, 2022, as “CURING STOMACH CANCER MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.