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PRINTER'S NO. 997
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 127
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY J.HARRIS, GALLAGHER, KHAN, HARKINS, McNEILL,
BRENNAN, VENKAT AND PICKETT, MARCH 17, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, MARCH 17, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Since February 2000, March has been nationally
recognized as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month," dedicated to
raising the profile of this disease and encouraging screening,
specifically highlighting the importance of early detection and
prevention; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly
diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related
deaths in both men and women in the United States, making it one
of the most lethal forms of cancer nationwide; and
WHEREAS, In 2024, Penn State Health reported that in
Pennsylvania, approximately 34% of those diagnosed with
colorectal cancer die from the disease; and
WHEREAS, Penn State Health acknowledges that although rates
have decreased overall, they are increasing among adults younger
than 55 years of age; and
WHEREAS, New recommendations state that people should be
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screened starting at 45 years of age rather than 50 years of
age, and the Department of Health also recommends that people
begin screening at 45 years of age; and
WHEREAS, In 2025, it is estimated that 154,000 new cases of
colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable
forms of cancer, as routine screenings can detect precancerous
polyps in the colon or rectum, allowing for polyp removal before
they become cancerous; and
WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society and the United States
Preventive Services Task Force recommend that individuals 45
years of age and older undergo regular colorectal cancer
screenings, which could prevent up to 60% of deaths from
colorectal cancer; and
WHEREAS, Despite the proven effectiveness of colorectal
cancer screenings in reducing incidence and mortality, one in
three adults over 50 years of age is not up to date with
recommended screening guidelines; and
WHEREAS, In July 2024, the United States Food and Drug
Administration approved the first-ever blood test for colorectal
cancer screening, providing a less invasive alternative to
traditional screening methods and increasing accessibility to
early detection; and
WHEREAS, "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" serves as an
opportunity to emphasize the importance of routine screenings,
raise awareness about risk factors and encourage individuals to
adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can lower the risk of
developing colorectal cancer; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of March 2025 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in
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Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge all
residents of this Commonwealth to join in raising awareness,
promoting screenings and supporting efforts to prevent and treat
colorectal cancer.
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