DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025 AS “LIVER CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. Heffernan

Sens. Huxtable, Lawson, Wilson; Reps. Bush, Carson, Hilovsky, Morrison, Ross Levin, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 116

DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025 AS “LIVER CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, liver cancer is one of the fastest rising causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with the American Cancer Society estimating over 41,000 new cases and more than 29,000 deaths in 2025 alone; and

WHEREAS, liver cancer often develops without symptoms and is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, making early detection and awareness critical to survival; and

WHEREAS, risk factors for liver cancer include chronic hepatitis B and C infections, cirrhosis, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and certain environmental toxins, many of which disproportionately affect underserved communities; and

WHEREAS, liver cancer has one of the lowest five-year survival rates among major cancers, with just 20% of patients surviving five years after diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, from 2018 to 2022, Delaware reported an age-adjusted death rate of 6.4 per 100,000 for liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancers, resulting in an average of 93 deaths annually from these diseases; and

WHEREAS, between 2017 and 2021, Delaware experienced an age-adjusted incidence rate of 8.0 per 100,000 for liver and bile duct cancers, indicating a significant health concern within the state; and

WHEREAS, in New Castle County, there is a higher late-stage liver and bile duct cancer incidence rate of 4.5 per 100,000 between 2017 and 2021, with 45.8% of cases diagnosed at a late stage, underscoring the need for improved early detection efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services has identified liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancers as significant contributors to the state's cancer burden, necessitating targeted public health interventions; and

WHEREAS, efforts to prevent, detect, and treat liver cancer are strengthened by public awareness campaigns, increased access to screenings, and investment in medical research; and

WHEREAS, Liver Cancer Awareness Month, recognized nationally in October, helps educate the public, reduce stigma, promote preventative care, and honor those affected by this devastating disease; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s healthcare providers, public health agencies, and nonprofit organizations play a vital role in increasing awareness, providing care, and supporting patients and families impacted by liver cancer.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the month of October 2025 is hereby recognized as “Liver Cancer Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly urges all Delawareans to learn more about the risk factors, prevention strategies, and available resources related to liver cancer.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution designates the month of October 2025 as “Liver Cancer Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware, to raise awareness of the risks, prevention, and impact of liver cancer, and to honor those affected by the disease.

Author: Senator Poore