Assembly Resolution No. 328

BY: M. of A. Joyner

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2017, as Oral 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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017, as Oral
Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Oral Cancer Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the
oral cavity (the mouth), on the lip, and the oropharynx (the part of the
throat at the back of the mouth); and

WHEREAS, Oral cancer most commonly involves the tongue, the floor of
the mouth, the lip, and the minor salivary glands; and

WHEREAS, Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope
and are called "squamous cell" carcinomas which are malignant and tend
to spread rapidly; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 49,750 people in the United States will be
newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2017; and

WHEREAS, 132 people in America every day will be newly diagnosed
with an oral cancer, and that one person every hour of the day, 24/7/365
will die from oral cancer; and

WHEREAS, While smoking and tobacco use are still major risk factors,
the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients in young, healthy,
nonsmoking individuals is exposure to the HPV-16 virus (human papilloma
virus), the same virus which is responsible for the majority of cervical
cancers in women; and

WHEREAS, From a gender perspective, for decades oral cancer affected
six men for every woman; that ratio has now become two men to every
woman; and

WHEREAS, While published studies do not exist to draw finite
conclusions, it is understood that this increase is due to lifestyle
changes, primarily the increased number of women smokers over the last
few decades; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, oral cancer occurs twice as often in the
African-American population as in Caucasians, and survival statistics
for African-Americans over five years are also poorer at 33%, versus 55%
for Caucasians; and

WHEREAS, Oral cancer frequently has no symptoms; however, when
symptoms do occur, the most common include a sore or ulcer on the lip or
in the mouth that does not heal; a lump on the lip, in the mouth, or in
the neck; a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the
mouth; unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth; oral pain that
does not go away; difficulty or pain with chewing, swallowing, or jaw
opening; swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or to
become uncomfortable; tooth loosening; bad breath; sensory loss in the
face; abnormal taste in the mouth; or tongue problems; and

WHEREAS, When detected early, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90
percent survival rate; and

WHEREAS, Oral cancer screening should be a routine part of every
annual dental examination; regular check-ups, including an examination
of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous
and pre-cancerous conditions; an individual may have a very small, but
dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it; when abnormal
tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), anyone
over the age of 17 should get an annual screening for oral cancer and
anyone with a history of oral cancer should have a screening every six
months; and

WHEREAS, The health and well-being of the people of the State of New
York is of paramount importance to this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, The observance of Oral Cancer Awareness Month provides an
opportunity to focus on this significant and complex medical condition,
to provide information on and raise public awareness and understanding
of its causes, effects, and treatments, and to highlight its importance
to citizens of the State of New York of all ages; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017, as Oral
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.