RECOGNIZING MARCH 2026 AS "COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. Griffith

Sens. Hansen, Hoffner, Huxtable, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Richardson, Sokola, Townsend, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Bush, Carson, Gorman, Hilovsky, Morrison, Osienski, Ross Levin, Kamela Smith, Snyder-Hall, Wilson-Anton, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 150

RECOGNIZING MARCH 2026 AS "COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, March

is recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of colorectal cancer, its prevention, and the importance of early detection; and

WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, colon cancer claims the lives of approximately 170 Delawareans each year; and

WHEREAS, the mortality rate from colon cancer in Delaware is 36% higher among African Americans compared to other populations; and

WHEREAS, according to the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’

Colorectal Cancer Data Brief, Incidence and Mortality, 2016-2020

(July 2024), the age-adjusted colorectal cancer incidence rate in Delaware was 34.6 cases per 100,000 population, and the mortality rate during the same period was 12.7 deaths per 100,000 population; and

WHEREAS, colorectal cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States; and

WHEREAS, based on estimates from the American Cancer Society, approximately 108,860 new cases of colon cancer and 49,990 new cases of rectal cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2026; and

WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society projects that about 55,230 deaths in the United States will be caused by colorectal cancer during 2026; and

WHEREAS, these statistics highlight the ongoing impact of colorectal cancer both in Delaware and across the nation, underscoring the importance of awareness, prevention, and early detection efforts; and

WHEREAS, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular screenings are critical strategies in preventing colorectal cancer; and

WHEREAS, regular screenings are recommended for individuals who are 45 years or older, have a family history of colorectal cancer, are overweight or obese, consume a diet high in red meat and low in fruit and vegetables, smoke, or have other risk factors; and

WHEREAS, multiple screening options are available to detect colorectal cancer, including colonoscopies – procedures often recommended starting at age 45, that can also identify and remove precancerous polyps – and FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) kits, which can be used at home and analyzed in a laboratory. Early detection through these screenings can prevent the development of colorectal cancer; and

WHEREAS, most screenings are fully covered by insurance; and

WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early.

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 March 2026 is recognized as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month” and Delawareans are encouraged learn about the importance of prevention and early detection of this disease.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes March 2026 as “Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware and highlights the importance of education, prevention, and early detection to reduce the impact of colorectal cancer.

Author: Senator Poore