SENATE RESOLUTION 31

(By Senators Smith, Jeffries, Hamilton, Woodrum, Stollings, Caputo, Baldwin, Phillips, and Lindsay)

[Introduced February 18, 2022]

Designating February 21, 2022, as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.

Whereas, In 2022, an estimated 62,210 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States, which equates to 170 people every day; and

Whereas, Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers and is currently the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It is projected to become the second leading cause within the next decade. This cancer has a five-year relative survival rate of only 11 percent; and

Whereas, When symptoms of pancreatic cancer present themselves, it is generally in later stages and 73 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of their diagnosis while 89 percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first five years; and

Whereas, Approximately 350 deaths will occur in West Virginia in 2022. This is the same disease which claimed the life of former West Virginia Governor William Marland, actor Patrick Swayze, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, former WVU and Florida State Football Coach Bobby Bowden, and Jeopardy host Alex Trebek, just to name a few; and

Whereas, Pancreatic cancer is the seventh most common cause of cancer-related deaths across the world; and

Whereas, While overall cancer incidences and cancer death rates are declining, pancreatic cancer and death rates for its patients has been increasing. The number of new pancreatic cancer incidences is projected to increase by 55 percent  between now and 2030; and

Whereas, The good health and well-being of the residents of West Virginia are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about the symptoms, risk factors, research of early detection, causes, and effective treatments; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 21, 2022, as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.