Senate Resolution No. 2264

BY: Senator RYAN

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2024, as Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer
Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
illnesses that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2024, as Adolescent
and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, in
solidarity with all New York State residents and their families fighting
cancer; and

WHEREAS, This annual awareness month is an opportunity to shine a
light on the unique challenges that teen and young adult cancer patients
and survivors face; and

WHEREAS, Young Adult Cancer Patients are identified as those
diagnosed between 18-39 years of age, impacting 90,000 new patients each
year; and

WHEREAS, Cancer diagnosis rates, especially for breast, prostate,
endometrial, cervical, colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers,
among people under 50 are on the rise; the diagnosis rate increasing 13
percent in the Nation since 2000, many individuals in this age group are
too young for regular cancer screenings, meaning their disease can go
undiagnosed for longer; and

WHEREAS, Recent data shows individuals born in the 90s are twice as
likely to develop early onset colon cancer and four times as likely to
develop rectal cancer as someone born in the 50s; and

WHEREAS, This vital month of recognition is providing teens and
young adults dealing with a cancer diagnosis opportunities to develop
healthy habits during and after treatment, helping to reduce the burden
of healthcare within the local community; and

WHEREAS, Awareness and education are powerful tools in the race to
find a cure for adolescent and young adult cancers; and

WHEREAS, The health and vitality of the people of New York are
significantly enhanced by local efforts to increase communication and
education pertaining to cancer; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2024, as Adolescent

and Young Adult 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.