PRINTER'S NO. 1348
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
241
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY FREEMAN, BAKER, BIZZARRO, BOBACK, V. BROWN,
CALTAGIRONE, D. COSTA, DeLUCA, DiGIROLAMO, DONATUCCI, GABLER,
GILLEN, GOODMAN, J. HARRIS, HEFFLEY, HENNESSEY, HICKERNELL,
KAVULICH, KINSEY, LONGIETTI, MARSICO, MATZIE, McNEILL,
MILLARD, MURT, NEILSON, PASHINSKI, READSHAW, ROEBUCK, RYAN,
SANKEY, SCHLOSSBERG, SIMMONS, STAATS, TOOHIL, WARD AND
WATSON, APRIL 12, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 12, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of May 2017 as "Bladder Cancer Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, In 2017, it is estimated that 4,190 individuals will
be diagnosed with bladder cancer in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, More than 500,000 individuals throughout the United
States live with bladder cancer; and
WHEREAS, Bladder cancer affects individuals of all ages and
backgrounds and is among the top 10 cancers with the highest
incidence rates in the United States, with Pennsylvania ranked
fifth in new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed as of 2017; and
WHEREAS, Bladder cancer is known as one of the most expensive
cancers to treat on a per-patient basis with a recurrence rate
of approximately 50% to 80% and requires lifelong surveillance;
and
WHEREAS, Bladder cancer symptoms, such as blood in urine, are
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easily recognized; however, many people are unaware of the
threat of bladder cancer, which often delays diagnosis and
treatment; and
WHEREAS, If diagnosed early, bladder cancer is treatable; and
WHEREAS, If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the life
expectancy of an individual with bladder cancer decreases; and
WHEREAS, Military veterans are more likely than nonveterans
to be diagnosed with bladder cancer; and
WHEREAS, Women are often diagnosed at a later stage in the
development of bladder cancer and when diagnosed at the same
stage as men, women have a worse prognosis; and
WHEREAS, The quality of life for an individual with bladder
cancer depends on future treatment and diagnostic developments,
which rely on research advancements; and
WHEREAS, There have been no new treatments developed for
bladder cancer in more than 20 years; and
WHEREAS, A lack of awareness about bladder cancer within the
medical community and general public has limited research
advancements for the disease; and
WHEREAS, Increased awareness promotes early diagnosis and
increases chances of survival; and
WHEREAS, Increased awareness bolsters public support for
treating the disease and leads to increased funding for
innovative research and the development of new treatment options
and diagnostic tools; and
WHEREAS, Traditionally on the first Saturday in May,
survivors, caregivers and loved ones walk together throughout
the United States to raise awareness of bladder cancer; and
WHEREAS, The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network and its
community of patients, caregivers and specialists to foster a
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community of hope and support, fund and conduct research for
innovative treatments and diagnostic tools and increase public
awareness and understanding of bladder cancer; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of May 2017 as "Bladder Cancer Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives support the goals
and ideals of "Bladder Cancer Awareness Month"; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives call on the
residents of this Commonwealth to promote awareness of bladder
cancer, foster an understanding of the impact of the disease,
take an active role in the fight to end bladder cancer and
observe "Bladder Cancer Awareness Month" with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.
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