PRINTER'S NO. 478
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
56
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY BROOKS, STREET, LANGERHOLC, HUGHES, SANTARSIERO,
BARTOLOTTA, SCAVELLO, BROWNE, MARTIN, KANE, J. WARD,
PHILLIPS-HILL, COSTA, HUTCHINSON, COMITTA, PITTMAN, MENSCH
AND BREWSTER, MARCH 22, 2021
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, MARCH 22, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of March 2021 as "National Colorectal
Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in
the colon or rectum, both of which are parts of the large
intestine and the body's digestive system; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer often begins as an abnormal growth
called a polyp, which may form on the inner wall of the colon or
rectum; and
WHEREAS, In addition to colorectal polyps, risk factors of
colorectal cancer include increasing age, family history,
certain genetic mutations, excessive alcohol use, obesity,
physical inactivity, cigarette smoking and history of
inflammatory bowel disease; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of developing colorectal cancer include
changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, stomach pains or
cramps, weakness and unexplained weight loss; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of
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cancer-related mortality in the United States, where it was
expected to have caused 53,200 deaths in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Unprecedented progress has been made in the last
decade in reducing colorectal cancer incidence and death rates
largely due to prevention and early detection through screening;
and
WHEREAS, Up to 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be
prevented if everyone 50 years of age or older were screened
regularly and appropriately treated; and
WHEREAS, There is a national movement to decrease the
screening age for people at average risk from 50 to 45 years of
age because there has been a rise in cases of colorectal cancer
in younger adults; and
WHEREAS, Since 2000, March has been celebrated as "National
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" by advocacy groups, public
officials, health care providers and patients; and
WHEREAS, During this month, participants generate widespread
awareness about colorectal cancer by wearing blue, holding
fundraising and education events, talking to family and friends
about screening and so much more; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of March 2021
as "National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate join advocates nationwide in urging
the residents of this Commonwealth to follow preventive measures
such as:
(1) Increasing the intensity and amount of physical
activity.
(2) Maintaining a healthy weight.
(3) Quitting smoking.
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(4) Limiting alcohol intake.
(5) Eating healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
(6) Reducing the intake of red meat and cutting out
processed meat.
(7) Beginning regular screenings at 50 years of age and
earlier for those individuals at higher risk.
(8) Consulting with a doctor about tests for detecting
cancer and precancer, such as a colonoscopy, virtual
colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, stool occult blood test,
stool immunochemical test and stool DNA test;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate urge its members, the Department of
Health and health care professionals across this Commonwealth to
recognize "National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania to increase awareness about the disease and educate
residents on the important preventative steps that they can
take.
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