Governor Proclaims Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2022

WHEREAS, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in North Carolina and in the United States, especially in minority and marginal populations; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 9,250 people in North Carolina will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022, and about 5,670 are expected to die from the disease this year; and

WHEREAS, cigarette smoking causes 80 percent to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in the United States; and

WHEREAS, regular exposure to secondhand smoke from other people’s cigarettes, pipes, or cigars at home or at work increases an individual’s chance of getting lung cancer by 20 percent to 30 percent; and

WHEREAS, radon, a gas, which has been found in homes in all 100 counties of North Carolina, is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking; and

WHEREAS, individuals ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years, but have a 20 pack-year history 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 the importance of testing 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, 2022, as “LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.