2003 Senate Joint Resolution 20
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: proclaiming March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Whereas, the American Cancer Society reports that colon and rectum cancer is the 3rd-most-common cancer among men and women and the 2nd-leading cause of cancer death in the United States; and
Whereas, this year there will be 147,500 new cases of colon and rectum cancer and 57,100 deaths from colon and rectum cancer in the United States and more than 2,900 new cases of colon and rectum cancer and 1,100 deaths from colon and rectum cancer in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, in Wisconsin, African-Americans have higher colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates and thus should be especially vigilant in informing themselves of their risks and need for screening; and
Whereas, the American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50 both men and women should follow one of these 5 screening options: yearly fecal occult blood test; sigmoidoscopy every 5 years; yearly fecal occult blood test plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (combination preferred over either test alone); colonoscopy every 10 years; or double-contrast barium enema every 5 years; and
Whereas, the American Cancer Society reports that survival from colon and rectum cancer is inversely related to the stage of cancer at the time of detection and the 5-year survival rate is increased to 90% when the cancer is detected early and confined; and
Whereas, colorectal cancer is one of the most curable of all cancers if detected in its earliest stages; and
Whereas, it is in the public interest to promote public awareness of the benefits and values of early detection, prevention, and treatment of colon and rectum cancer; and
Whereas, improved public awareness of the disparity in funding for colon and rectum cancer research, as compared to the research funding for other major fatal diseases, can help bring a halt to this inequity and assist in saving lives; and
Whereas, it is appropriate for the state of Wisconsin to join with its citizens, their families, and loved ones throughout the state in recognizing the importance of this disease; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature proclaim the month of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to promote early detection, prevention, and treatment of colorectal cancer and to encourage people to be screened according to the American Cancer Society's guidelines.
