2011 Senate Joint Resolution 19
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: declaring April 2011 as esophageal cancer awareness month.
Whereas, esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the United States, increasing more than 400 percent in the past 20 years; and
Whereas, esophageal cancer kills one American every 36 minutes each and every day; and
Whereas, esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers, with fewer than one in five patients surviving five years; and
Whereas, esophageal cancer has low survival rates because it is usually discovered at advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poor; and
Whereas, esophageal cancer in the U.S. is most often caused by persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), yet many who are at risk are unaware of the potential danger GERD can present when it occurs over several weeks or months; and
Whereas, esophageal cancer can be a silent killer with patients often unaware that the cough, hoarse voice, sore throat, or chest pain they suffer can be signs of GERD and reason to discuss screening for esophageal cancer with their medical care professional; and
Whereas, esophageal cancer can develop from GERD when acid from the stomach creates cellular change in the esophagus resulting in a precancerous condition known as Barrett's Esophagus which can lead to a 125-fold increase in a patient's risk of developing esophageal cancer; and
Whereas, esophageal cancer can be prevented through early detection of its precursor, Barrett's Esophagus, which can be treated with new, curative techniques; and
Whereas, the Esophageal Cancer Action Network, ECAN, is working to improve public awareness of the link between heartburn and cancer and supports progress in early detection and treatment of esophageal cancer; and
Whereas, esophageal cancer awareness along with improvements in prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies will enhance the health and well-being of all Americans; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature declares April 2011 as esophageal cancer awareness month.
