K 322: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025, as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 322 BY: M. of A. McMahon MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025, as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing cancer diagnoses in the United States, increasing more than 400% in the past 20 years; the cancer kills 1 American every 36 minutes each and every day; and WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers, with about 1 in 5 patients surviving 5 years, and has low survival rates because it is usually discovered at advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poor; and WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is 3 to 4 times more common among men than among women, and the lifetime risk of esophageal cancer in the United States is about 1 in 127 in men and about 1 in 434 in women; and WHEREAS, In 2024, the American Cancer Society estimated 17,690 men and 4,680 women will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer and 12,880 men and 3,250 women will die from the disease; and WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer makes up about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, yet it is the cause of 2.6% of the cancer deaths in the U.S.; it is much more common in some other parts of the world, such as Iran, northern China, India, and southern Africa; and WHEREAS, Although many people with esophageal cancer will go on to die from this disease, treatment has improved and survival rates are getting better; during the 1960s and 1970s, only about 5% of patients survived at least 5 years after being diagnosed; today, about 22% of patients survive at least 5 years after diagnosis; and WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer in the United States 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 are reasons to discuss screening for esophageal cancer with their health care professional; and WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer can develop from GERD when fluids from the stomach splash up to create 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 outpatient techniques; and WHEREAS, 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, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025, as Esophageal 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.