WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, In the United States alone, over 145,000 people are diagnosed with and over 55,000 people die of colorectal cancer every year; and
     WHEREAS, It is estimated that in Washington State, 3,000 people are diagnosed with and 1,000 people will die every year of colorectal cancer; and
     WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer affects people regardless of age, race, or sex. Nine out of ten diagnoses will occur in people aged 50 and older. Men are slightly more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer than women. Also, African-Americans are 10% more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer than Caucasians and 30% more likely to die of the disease; and
     WHEREAS, Despite its high incidence, colorectal cancer is one of the most detectable and, if found early, most treatable forms of cancer. Ninety percent of those diagnosed early, while the cancer is still localized, survive more than five years. Sadly, only 37% of all colorectal cancers are detected early enough for survival to occur. When the cancer is diagnosed at a more advanced stage, having spread to surrounding areas, the five-year survival rate drops from 90% to 65%. When diagnosed at an advanced stage, having spread to distant organs, the five-year survival rate is only 9%; and
     WHEREAS, Early detection is the best defense against this devastating, but preventable disease. Over half of all colon cancer deaths in the United States can be prevented by early screening. Yet, a majority of Americans are not being screened early enough to catch the cancer while it is still localized. In a recent survey, the Centers for Disease Control found that only 40% of all Americans reported having used the most inferior of screening methods and just 42% reported having used a more advanced screening. This compares to 85% of all women who had been screened for breast cancer; and
     WHEREAS, There are many factors that contribute to such low screening rates: A lack of public awareness and education about the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, negative attitudes towards screening procedures, and the absence of symptoms; and
     WHEREAS, On November 19, 1999, the United States Senate designated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and on October 3, 2000, the United States House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 133, legislation that recognizes the impact of colorectal cancer and urges action to be taken;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That for March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Washington State Senate urge Washingtonians to become more educated of the risks facing them regarding this disease and actively fight it by getting regular screenings for colorectal cancer; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the American Cancer Society.