LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 2016 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer
in men and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men and
women in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally; and
WHEREAS, The vast majority of colorectal cancer deaths can be
prevented through proper screening and early detection; and
WHEREAS, The survival rate of individuals who have colorectal cancer
is almost 90 percent when detected in early stages versus only a 12
percent survival rate when colorectal cancer is diagnosed after it has
spread to other organs; and
WHEREAS, Uninsured Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with late
stage colorectal cancer than patients with private insurance; and
WHEREAS, According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, 90 percent of new
cases and 95 percent of deaths from colon cancer occur in people 50 or
older; further, at least 6 out of every 10 deaths could be prevented if
every adult 50 or older got tested regularly; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable in
most cases; and
WHEREAS, Observing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during the month
of March would provide a special opportunity to offer education on the
importance of early detection and screening; and
WHEREAS, The Cancer Services Programs of Livingston and Wyoming; Alle-
gany and Cattaraugus; Chautauqua; and all of New York State should be
recognized and applauded for providing information about the importance
of prevention and early detection through facilitating access to care
for uninsured residents; 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2016 as Colorec-
tal 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York, The Cancer Services Program of Livingston and Wyoming; The Cancer
Services Program of Allegany and Cattaraugus; and The Cancer Services
Program of Chautauqua County.