Senate Resolution No. 1498

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
January 2022, as Cervical Health 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, This Legislative Body hereby memorializes Governor Kathy
Hochul to proclaim January 2022, as Cervical Health Awareness Month in
the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Established by the United States Congress, Cervical Health
Awareness Month is observed every year in January to encourage women to
be more attentive to their health; and

WHEREAS, Cervical health is one aspect of health that many women
neglect throughout their lives; by becoming more knowledgeable about
this, women can detect any health issues at an early stage and get
access to the best treatment; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that over 13,000 females suffer from
cervical cancer in the United States each year; fortunately, cervical
cancer can be easily prevented through vaccination and early detection;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout January, various events are hosted by healthcare
providers around the country to raise awareness about cervical cancer
and the Human Papillomavirus (H.P.V.); and

WHEREAS, During the 1800s in western Europe, cervical cancer was one
of the most common forms of malignant tumor found in women and was one
of the leading causes of cancer death for women in European countries;
and

WHEREAS, Since 1950, efforts have been made to control the disease
through early screening and treatment; and

WHEREAS, In the late 1970s, screeners were able to detect H.P.V. in
patients with cervical cancers; through continuous research and
development, effective vaccines were developed and licensed to prevent
major types of H.P.V., including types 16 and 18 that are known to cause
cervical cancer; and

WHEREAS, Although H.P.V. vaccination prevents new infections, it
does not treat existing ones; these vaccines are most effective when
taken before exposure to H.P.V.; therefore, regular screening is the
best way to prevent cervical cancer; and

WHEREAS, Cervical Health Awareness month is a great way to raise
awareness in the community about the benefits of early detection when
there are no symptoms of the disease; 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 to support the patients as well as
their families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2022, as Cervical
Health 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.