LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim March 2009 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths
in men and women, combined, in the United States; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that in the year 2009, over 148,810 new cases
of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States; and
WHEREAS, In the year 2009, the disease is expected to kill an esti-
mated 49,960 individuals in this country; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 10,900 individuals in the State of New York were
diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the year 2008; and
WHEREAS, In November of 1999, the United States Senate passed legis-
lation declaring March 2000 as the first-ever National Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, The Colon Cancer Alliance, Inc. (CCA), located in New York,
New York, will continue working with Congress for coverage, education,
and awareness so that colorectal cancer is detected early and lives are
saved; and
WHEREAS, Screening for colorectal cancer is underutilized; less than
50 percent of individuals above age 50 receive annual screenings for
colorectal cancer; and
WHEREAS, Regular screenings, which can detect polyps that lead to
colorectal cancer, can save lives; and
WHEREAS, Education can help inform the public about methods of
prevention, and about symptoms, to aid in early detection; and
WHEREAS, Adopting a healthy diet at a young age can significantly
reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York should help inform the public about
colorectal cancer prevention and screening; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 2009 as Colo-
rectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York; The Colon Cancer Alliance, Inc., 175 9th Avenue, New York, New
York 10011; Ira E. Mayer, M.D., Maimonides Medical Center, Division of
Gastroenterology, 1025 48th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219; and Warren
E. Enker, M.D., Vice Chair, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Medical
Center, 16th Street and 1st Avenue, New York, New York 10003.