H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING MARCH AS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN RHODE ISLAND
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that in the year 2001, physicians will diagnose over 130,000 new cases of colorectal cancer in the United States; and
WHEREAS, In the year 2001, the disease is expected to kill an estimated 60,000 individuals in this country; and
WHEREAS, Less than 50 percent of individuals above age 50 receive annual screenings for colorectal cancer; and
WHEREAS, Adopting a healthy diet at a young age can significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer; and
WHEREAS, March is also designated as National Nutrition Awareness Month and the prevention of colorectal cancer is highly dependent on dietary factors; and
WHEREAS, Regular screenings can save large numbers of lives; and
WHEREAS, Education can help inform the public of methods of prevention and symptoms of early detection; and
WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Department of Health should coordinate an aggressive education program around colorectal cancer in conjunction with the medical community and the American Cancer Society; now therefor be it
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby proclaims the month of March as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in Rhode Island; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Cancer Society.