HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2015-4615, by Representative Pettigrew

WHEREAS, The House of Representatives recently lost a dear friend and colleague, Representative Roger Freeman, to colorectal cancer, and wish to honor him; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, despite being highly treatable with early detection; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that this year more than 132,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 49,000 individuals will die from the disease; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50 and 75 are not up-to-date with recommended colorectal cancer screening, which can detect colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective; and

WHEREAS, All men and women are at risk of colorectal cancer, especially those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, who should talk to their health care provider about starting screening earlier than age 50; and

WHEREAS, The Washington CARES About Cancer Partnership has initiated a year-round campaign for colorectal cancer awareness to help Washington reach the goal of 80 percent of age-eligible Washingtonians being regularly screened by 2018; and

WHEREAS, Designating March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month has the goal of increasing awareness and understanding of the importance and effectiveness of screening by all Washingtonians, regardless of age, income, and insurance status; and

WHEREAS, Governor Inslee proclaimed March 2015 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives observe March 2015 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; and encourage the people of Washington to take advantage of life-saving screening for colorectal cancer.