Title
Proclamation declaring January 2009 as "Cervical Cancer Awareness Month" in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, every year in the United States there are approximately 11,000 women diagnosed with and 3,800 women who die from cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, the great majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and millions of American women are currently infected with HPV. Since the infection is often symptom-free, a woman can be unaware of her risk of developing cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, preventive screenings and regular checkups with the Pap test help women avoid the devastating affects of cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, early detection significantly increases chances of survival, and, in fact, if detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent curable; and
WHEREAS, the HPV vaccine, for girls and young women ages 9-26, will prevent about seventy percent of all cases of cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, throughout January, public and private organizations and state and local governments all around the country will promote education about cervical cancer screenings, treatment and causes;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Allegheny County Council proclaims January 2009, as “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month” in Allegheny County. We join the many individuals and groups across our nation in recognizing Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and in encouraging women everywhere to take action in the fight against cervical cancer.