LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 22, 2014, as Lynch Syndrome Hereditary Cancer Awareness
Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days 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 memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 22, 2014, as Lynch
Syndrome Hereditary Cancer Awareness Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Lynch syndrome, a part of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal
cancer (HNPCC), is a hereditary condition that causes greater risk of
developing colorectal, endometrial, urinary tract, ovarian, pancreatic,
and other types of cancers; and
WHEREAS, Geneticists estimate that approximately 19,000 individuals in
New York and over 800,000 persons throughout the United States, alone,
have Lynch syndrome, including one in every 440 persons and studies show
that only 5 percent of those with a family or personal history of colon
cancer have been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Every person should know their family history and share it
with their physician to determine if their family may be at high risk
for hereditary cancers and every newly diagnosed colorectal cancer and
endometrial cancer should be screened for Lynch syndrome characteristics
to prompt risk assessment and further testing; and
WHEREAS, Having knowledge of a Lynch syndrome diagnosis can increase
cancer prevention through regular screening measures, and lead to earli-
er cancer detection and treatment; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 22, 2014, as
Lynch Syndrome Hereditary Cancer Awareness Day in the State of New York;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.