PRINTER'S NO. 1470
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
236
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY BROOKS, BROWNE, BARTOLOTTA, MARTIN, FONTANA, KANE,
HUGHES, SCHWANK, HUTCHINSON, MENSCH, J. WARD AND MUTH,
MARCH 7, 2022
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, MARCH 7, 2022
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of March 2022 as "National Colorectal
Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in
the colon or rectum, both of which are parts of the large
intestine and the body's digestive system; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer often begins as an abnormal growth
called a polyp, which may form on the inner wall of the colon or
rectum; and
WHEREAS, In addition to colorectal polyps, risk factors of
colorectal cancer include increasing age, family history,
certain genetic mutations, excessive alcohol use, obesity,
physical inactivity, cigarette smoking and history of
inflammatory bowel disease; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of developing colorectal cancer include
changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, stomach pains or
cramps, weakness and unexplained weight loss; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of
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cancer-related death in the United States, with more than 50,000
Americans dying every year; and
WHEREAS, Unprecedented progress has been made in the last
decade in reducing colorectal cancer incidence and death rates,
largely due to prevention and early detection through screening;
and
WHEREAS, In May 2021, the recommended age to initiate
screening was lowered from age 50 to 45 because of the rising
number of cases in younger people; and
WHEREAS, Screening may begin earlier than age 45 for
individuals with a family history of colon polyps or colorectal
cancer; and
WHEREAS, Since 2000, March has been celebrated as "National
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" by advocacy groups, public
officials, health care providers and patients; and
WHEREAS, During this month, participants generate widespread
awareness about colorectal cancer by wearing blue, holding
fundraising and education events, talking to family and friends
about screening and so much more; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of March 2022
as "National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate join advocates nationwide in urging
the residents of this Commonwealth to follow preventative
measures such as:
(1) Increasing the intensity and amount of physical
activity.
(2) Maintaining a healthy weight.
(3) Quitting smoking.
(4) Limiting alcohol intake.
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(5) Eating healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
(6) Reducing the intake of red meat and avoiding
processed meat.
(7) Beginning regular screenings at 45 years of age and
earlier for those individuals at higher risk.
(8) Consulting with a doctor about tests for detecting
cancer and precancer, such as a colonoscopy, virtual
colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test,
fecal immunochemical test and stool DNA test;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate urge its members, the Department of
Health and health care professionals across this Commonwealth to
recognize "National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania to increase awareness about the disease and educate
residents on the important preventative steps that they can
take.
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