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I presented a proclamation Wednesday, November 2 during the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon making November Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in South King County.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, pancreatic cancer is the fourth deadliest form of cancer in the United States; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for pancreatic cancer, and there has been no significant improvement in survival rates over the last 40 years; and

WHEREAS, the lifetime risk of having pancreatic cancer is about 1 in 72; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that 43,030 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011, and 37,660 will die from the disease, with approximately 760 deaths occurring in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, 94 percent of patients die within five years of diagnosis, with 75 percent dying within the first year; and

WHEREAS, the expected number of new pancreatic cancer cases is projected to increase by 55 percent between 2010 and 2030; and

WHEREAS, the health and well-being of King County residents are enhanced by increased awareness about pancreatic cancer and research into early detection, causes, and effective treatments;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Peter von Reichbauer, proclaim November 2011 as