2026 -- H 8235

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LC003522

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MARCH OF 2026 AS "COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH"

IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Cotter, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Alzate,
Santucci, Ackerman, Boylan, Spears, and Carson

     Date Introduced: March 05, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Island to observe March, 2026, 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 2026 there will be an

estimated 154,270 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the United States and 52,900 deaths

from colorectal cancer. In Rhode Island, it is estimated that there will be 430 new cases of

colorectal cancer in 2026, and 150 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 15 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, 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 House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims March of 2026, 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 President

Amy S. Oxentenko, MD, FACG, American College of Gastroenterology.

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LC003522

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