WHEREAS, Over 19,000 new cases of cancer are projected in Washington State in 1992; and

WHEREAS, The treatment of pain in persons with cancer is often inadequate. Although ninety percent of cancer-related pain responds to treatment through currently available drug and nondrug methods, as many as twenty-five percent of all cancer patients die without adequate pain relief; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State Cancer Pain Initiative is a local representation of a nationwide movement, a movement that has been instituted in twenty-four states; and

WHEREAS, The World Health Organization has begun a worldwide effort to alleviate the unnecessary suffering of persons with cancer; and

WHEREAS, The Surgeon General of the United States has lent support to Washington State's cancer pain initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Persons with pain should be treated with respect. They should not have their veracity questioned, they should not have to endure unnecessary agony, they should not have their treatments or medication viewed as a form of personal weakness or drug abuse; and WHEREAS, Cancer pain is recognized as a major factor causing suffering in persons with cancer; and

WHEREAS, The Cancer Pain Initiative is supported in principle by the Washington State Nurses Association, the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington State Pharmacy Association, and the Washington State Association of Hospital Pharmacists; and

WHEREAS, The House of Representatives recognizes the need to develop educational programs for the professional schools, the professional associations, the health care providers, and the licensing and regulatory boards in Washington State;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives supports the Washington State Cancer Pain Initiative and the attempt to alleviate the suffering of persons with cancer.