WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country; and
     WHEREAS, More than 145,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 55,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer this year; and
     WHEREAS, In Washington state, it is estimated that 3,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer each year, and 1,000 people will die from the disease; and
     WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer affects people regardless of their age, race, or sex; and
     WHEREAS, Men have a slightly higher rate of colorectal cancer than women; and
     WHEREAS, African-Americans have a 10 percent higher rate of colorectal cancer incidence and are 30 percent more likely to die from it than Caucasians; and
     WHEREAS, The five-year survival rate is 90 percent when colorectal cancer is diagnosed at the localized stage, but the survival rate is only 10 percent when colorectal cancer is not diagnosed until the distant stage; and
     WHEREAS, Screening and early detection saves lives; and
     WHEREAS, Many incidences of colorectal cancer, and deaths resulting from colorectal cancer, could be prevented if more people took advantage of colorectal cancer screening; and
     WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer can be prevented through early identification and removal of precancerous polyps, detectable only through screening; and
     WHEREAS, Early detection is the key to survival against colorectal cancer and more than half of all colorectal cancers can be prevented by early screening; and
     WHEREAS, 9 out of 10 colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50, yet less than half of all Washingtonians age 50 or older have had recommended colorectal cancer screening in the past 5 years; and
     WHEREAS, Many factors contribute to the low screening rate for colorectal cancer, such as lack of public education and awareness about prevention and screening, negative attitudes about screening procedures, and the absence of symptoms;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize victims of cancer, cancer survivors, and those fighting for a cure in March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and 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 Secretary of the Senate to the American Cancer Society.