WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is second to lung cancer in the number of deaths it causes 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 can affect anyone of any 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 the surrounding region, 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 still our best defense against this devastating disease and regular screening can prevent over half of all colon cancer deaths in the United States. Yet, a majority of Americans are not being screened on a regular basis 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 ever 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, Low screening rates for colorectal cancer are due to many factors, including a lack of public awareness about colorectal cancer and of the benefits of regular screening, negative attitudes towards the screening procedures, the complete lack of symptoms in most cases, and the absence of social support for openly discussing and doing something about this particular disease; and
     WHEREAS, The United States Senate has designated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize the month of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and hereby urge Washingtonians to become more aware 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 Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the American Cancer Society.