Assembly Resolution No. 301

BY: M. of A. Tague

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 2025, as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing
official months established to increase awareness of serious health
issues that affect the lives of all New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of the Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception in 2000, National Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month has grown to be a rallying point for the colorectal
cancer community where thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers, and
advocates join together to spread colorectal cancer awareness; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer
death among men and women combined in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is one of the most highly preventable
forms of cancer because screening tests can find polyps that can be
removed before becoming cancerous; and

WHEREAS, Screening tests can detect colorectal cancer early, when
treatment works best; and

WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates
that if every individual aged 50 or older had regular screening tests,
as many as 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be
prevented; and

WHEREAS, The five-year survival rate for patients with localized
colorectal cancer is 90 percent, but only 39 percent of all diagnoses
occur at this stage; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer screenings can effectively reduce
colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, yet, one in three adults over
50 years of age are not up to date with recommended colorectal cancer
screening; and

WHEREAS, One in 23 men and one in 26 women will be diagnosed with
colorectal cancer in their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, By 2030, colorectal cancer is expected to be the number one
cancer killer for those ages 20-49; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, 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 March 2025, 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.