Senate Resolution No. 616

BY: Senator ORTT

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
March 2017 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;
Allegany 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 2017 as
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.