2024 -- S 2795

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LC005676

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MARCH AS "COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Ruggerio, Pearson, Gallo, Miller, Lawson, F. Lombardi, de la
Cruz, Rogers, Zurier, and McKenney

     Date Introduced: March 21, 2024

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society encourages the citizens of the State of Rhode

Island to observe March, 2024, as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month"; and

     WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths

among men and women combined in Rhode Island as well as in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, in 2024 there will be an

estimated 152,810 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the United States and 53,010 deaths

from colorectal cancer. In Rhode Island in 2024, there will be an estimated 470 new cases of

colorectal cancer, and 160 deaths from colorectal cancer; and

     WHEREAS, When colorectal cancer is found early, it has a survival rate of 90 percent,

but left undetected, survival rates for colorectal cancer can plummet to 10 percent; and

     WHEREAS, There are often no symptoms of colorectal cancer, but regular screenings

can significantly reduce the number of deaths from this disease by detecting cancerous or pre-

cancerous conditions early, when treatment is most effective; and

     WHEREAS, Education can help inform the public of methods of early detection and

prevention. Colorectal cancer is largely preventable with screening tests that find and remove pre-

cancerous polyps; and

     WHEREAS, In 2021, our dear friend and colleague, Senator Maryellen Goodwin was

honored with the American Cancer Society's "National Distinguished Advocacy Award", the

organization's highest recognition, for her efforts to educate and bring awareness to colorectal

cancer, which included championing the passage of the "Maryellen Goodwin Colorectal Cancer

Screening Act" that mandated full coverage for preventive screenings and colonoscopies; and

     WHEREAS, Working with the legislature, the American Cancer Society remains

committed and dedicated to informing the public about colorectal cancer prevention and

screening; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims March of

2024, as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month"; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the American Cancer Society, and Dr. Jonathan

A. Leighton, MD, FACG, American College of Gastroenterology.

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