Assembly Resolution No. 1216

BY: M. of A. McMahon

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2026, as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among
men in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing cancer
diagnoses among all Americans, increasing more than 700% in recent
decades; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer kills one American every 36 minutes; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancer types,
with only about one in five patients surviving five years; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer has low survival rates because it is
usually discovered at advanced stages when treatment outcomes are poor;
and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer in the U.S. is most often caused by
persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), yet many
who are at risk are unaware of the potential danger GERD can present
when it occurs over several weeks or months; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer can be a silent killer with patients
often unaware that the heartburn, cough, hoarse voice, sore throat,
chest pain, or other symptoms they suffer can be signs of GERD and are
reasons to discuss screening for Esophageal Cancer with their health
care provider; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer can develop from GERD when fluids from
the stomach splash into the esophagus, creating cellular change
resulting in a precancerous condition known as Barrett's Esophagus,
which can lead to a 30-fold increase in a patient's risk of developing
Esophageal Cancer; and

WHEREAS, Esophageal cancer can be prevented through early detection
of its precursor, Barrett's Esophagus, which can be eliminated with
curative outpatient techniques; and

WHEREAS, The Esophageal Cancer Action Network, ECAN, is working to
improve public awareness throughout the nation of the link between
heartburn and cancer and supports progress in early detection and
treatment of Esophageal cancer; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as Esophageal
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.