WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is second only 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 percent more likely to be
diagnosed with colorectal cancer than Caucasians and 30 percent more
likely to die of the disease; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer starts with a growth or polyp that is
not cancer. Screening can find and remove growths before they develop
into cancer; and
WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society recommends that all people be
screened beginning at age 50 or earlier if you have a family history of
colorectal cancer or polyps; 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 percent
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 percent to 65 percent. When diagnosed at an advanced stage,
having spread to distant organs, the five-year survival rate is only 9
percent; and
WHEREAS, Early detection is still our best defense against this
devastating disease and regular screening can prevent over half of all
colorectal 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 percent of all Americans
reported having ever used the most basic of screening methods, and just
42 percent reported having used a more advanced screening. This
compares to 85 percent 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, a 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 House of Representatives
recognize the month of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and
urge Washingtonians to become more aware of the risks facing them
regarding this disease and to 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.