K 301: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 301 BY: M. of A. Tague MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing official months established to increase awareness of serious health issues that affect the lives of all New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of the Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Since its inception in 2000, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month has grown to be a rallying point for the colorectal cancer community where thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates join together to spread colorectal cancer awareness; and WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States; and WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is one of the most highly preventable forms of cancer because screening tests can find polyps that can be removed before becoming cancerous; and WHEREAS, Screening tests can detect colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best; and WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that if every individual aged 50 or older had regular screening tests, as many as 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented; and WHEREAS, The five-year survival rate for patients with localized colorectal cancer is 90 percent, but only 39 percent of all diagnoses occur at this stage; and WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer screenings can effectively reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, yet, one in three adults over 50 years of age are not up to date with recommended colorectal cancer screening; and WHEREAS, One in 23 men and one in 26 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime; and WHEREAS, By 2030, colorectal cancer is expected to be the number one cancer killer for those ages 20-49; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, state and national levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.