2026 -- S 3141

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LC005979

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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S E N A T 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: Senators Murray, Tikoian, Thompson, Appollonio, Famiglietti, Britto,
Raptakis, Mack, Vargas, and Gu

     Date Introduced: March 24, 2026

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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

Island to observe March of 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, it was estimated that there will

be 158,850 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the United States and 55,230 deaths from

colorectal cancer in 2026, and in Rhode Island, there will be an estimated 490 new cases of

colorectal cancer, and 150 deaths from colorectal cancer; and

     WHEREAS, When colorectal cancer is found early, it has a survival rate of 91 percent,

but left undetected, survival rates for colorectal cancer can plummet to 13 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, According to the American Cancer Society, individuals at average risk of

colorectal cancer should start regular screening at age 45, while individuals at increased or high

risk may need to start screening before age 45, and be screened more often; and

     WHEREAS, The Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program within the Rhode Island

Department of Health maintains the goal that all age-appropriate persons in Rhode Island should

have the ability to get screened for colorectal cancer, regardless of insurance status; and

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

honored with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’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 and the

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network remain 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

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, the American

Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the American College of Gastroenterology.

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LC005979

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