WHEREAS, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in North Carolina and the United States, particularly in minority and marginal populations accounting for more deaths than colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 9,428 people in North Carolina will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021, and 5,933 are expected to die from the disease this year; and
WHEREAS, screening for lung cancer for high-risk individuals using low dose computed tomography can lead to the earlier detection of lung cancer and save lives, reducing the mortality by 20 percent when compared to screening by chest x-ray in the National Lung Screening Trial and reducing the risk of death at 10 years by 24 percent in men and 33 percent in women as demonstrated by another large, randomized trial; and
WHEREAS, cigarette smoking causes 80 percent to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in the United States, regular exposure to secondhand smoke from other people’s cigarettes, pipes or cigars increases an individual’s chance of getting lung cancer by 20 percent to 30 percent; and
WHEREAS, after smoking, radon, a gas which has been found in homes in all 100 counties of North Carolina, is the second leading cause of lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, individuals ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years and have a history of smoking one pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years, are recommended to be screened annually for lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, by recognizing Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the State of North Carolina demonstrates its dedication to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina residents and health care providers are encouraged to learn more about prevention, lung cancer screening and testing of homes for radon to reduce the risk of lung cancer for all North Carolinians;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November, 2021, as “LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.