| R 121 |
| 2026 -- H 8235 Enacted 03/05/2026 |
| 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 |
| 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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