Health Equity

On the same day that MSDC-supported prior authorization reform passed, the DC Council also passed a resolution recognizing Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

The resolution contained truly terrible stats about the rates and health impact of smoking on lung health, but also commended the Medical Society for its work in lung health and smoking cessation over the years. The entire resolution is posted below.

Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau
Councilmember Brooke Pinto
Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr.
Councilmember Charles Allen
Councilmember Christina Henderson
Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
Councilmember Anita Bonds
Councilmember Matthew Frumin


A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

To recognize and declare November 2023 to be Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the District of Columbia.

WHEREAS, lung and bronchus cancer were the second deadliest cancers in the District in 2023;

WHEREAS, the survival rate of District residents with lung cancer is 28 percent;

WHEREAS, the District's early-stage detection rate for lung cancer cases ranks 40th among U.S. states;

WHEREAS, only 3 percent of District residents considered at high risk for lung cancer have been screened for lung cancer;

WHEREAS, the rate of new lung cancer cases in the District is 59 per 100,000 among Black residents, 37 per 100,000 among Asian American and Pacific Islander residents, 25 per 100,000 among white residents, and 15 per 100,000 among Latino residents;

WHEREAS, 25 percent of Black District residents with lung cancer did not receive any treatment;

WHEREAS, 9.5 percent of District residents smoked tobacco in 2021, with even higher rates among those aged 55 to 64;

WHEREAS, the District’s Healthy People 2030 plan aims to reduce smoking rates to 6.1 percent by 2030; and

WHEREAS, according to the American Cancer Society, 80 percent of lung cancer deaths are believed to be caused by smoking.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Lung Cancer Awareness Month Recognition Resolution of 2023”.

Sec. 2. The Council recognizes November 2023 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in the District of Columbia and salutes the work of Raymond Tu, M.D., and the Medical Society of the District of Columbia for bringing greater awareness of lifesaving steps to prevent and treat lung cancer.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.