WHEREAS, More than 225,000 new cases of lung cancer were expected to be diagnosed in 2013, accounting for nearly 14 percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, Lung cancer is the leading cancer-related cause of death in the United States and in Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Lung cancer accounts for an estimated 160,000 deaths in 2013, nearly 27 percent of all cancer-related deaths; and
     WHEREAS, In 2013, 4,700 new cases of lung cancer were expected to be diagnosed in Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Up to 15 percent of lung cancer cases occur in people who have never smoked and more than 40 percent occur in those who have previously ceased smoking; and
     WHEREAS, Early detection of lung cancer can dramatically improve survival rates, but only 15 percent of lung cancers are diagnosed in early stages; and
     WHEREAS, Funding for lung cancer research trails far behind funding for research of other cancers;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate commit to making lung cancer a public health priority by supporting advocacy work on behalf of lung cancer patients, those at risk for the disease, and those in our communities who are affected by lung cancer.