Declare Cancer Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 616 BY: Senator ORTT MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2017 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States; and WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally; and WHEREAS, The vast majority of colorectal cancer deaths can be prevented through proper screening and early detection; and WHEREAS, The survival rate of individuals who have colorectal cancer is almost 90 percent when detected in early stages versus only a 12 percent survival rate when colorectal cancer is diagnosed after it has spread to other organs; and WHEREAS, Uninsured Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with late stage colorectal cancer than patients with private insurance; and WHEREAS, According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, 90 percent of new cases and 95 percent of deaths from colon cancer occur in people 50 or older; further, at least 6 out of every 10 deaths could be prevented if every adult 50 or older got tested regularly; and WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable in most cases; and WHEREAS, Observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during the month of March would provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of early detection and screening; and WHEREAS, The Cancer Services Programs of Livingston and Wyoming; Allegany and Cattaraugus; Chautauqua; and all of New York State should be recognized and applauded for providing information about the importance of prevention and early detection through facilitating access to care for uninsured residents; and WHEREAS, The State of New York should help inform the public about colorectal cancer prevention and screening; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2017 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.