WHEREAS, lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, and it is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States and in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, lung cancer impacts people of all races and ethnicities, with American Indians experiencing the highest incidence and mortality rates in North Carolina from 2017 to 2021; and
WHEREAS, according to the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, the lung cancer incidence rate per 100,000 for American Indians is 68.4 compared to 62.2 for White Americans, 57.8 for African Americans, 27.9 for Hispanics, and 27.7 for Asian/Pacific Islanders in our state; and
WHEREAS, the mortality rate per 100,000 for American Indians is 49.9 compared to 40.1 for White Americans, 38.0 for African Americans, 19.2 for Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 15.4 for Hispanics; and
WHEREAS, cigarette smoking causes 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in the United States, and 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 – 80 who smoke or have quit smoking in 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, the North Carolina Comprehensive Cancer Control Program encourages North Carolina residents and health care providers to learn more about prevention, lung cancer screening, and radon testing in homes to reduce the risk of lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina demonstrates a dedication to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those who are at risk for the disease;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November, 2023, as “LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.