SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MARCH OF 2026, AS "COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

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2026 -- S 3141
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LC005979
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING MARCH OF 2026, AS "COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH"
IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By:
Senators Murray, Tikoian, Thompson, Appollonio, Famiglietti, Britto,
Raptakis, Mack, Vargas, and Gu

Date Introduced:
March 24, 2026

Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
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WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society encourages the citizens of the State of Rhode
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Island to observe March of 2026, as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month"; and
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WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths
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among men and women combined in Rhode Island as well as in the United States; and
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WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, it was estimated that there will
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be 158,850 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the United States and 55,230 deaths from
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colorectal cancer in 2026, and in Rhode Island, there will be an estimated 490 new cases of
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colorectal cancer, and 150 deaths from colorectal cancer; and
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WHEREAS, When colorectal cancer is found early, it has a survival rate of 91 percent,
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but left undetected, survival rates for colorectal cancer can plummet to 13 percent; and
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WHEREAS, There are often no symptoms of colorectal cancer, but regular screenings
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can significantly reduce the number of deaths from this disease by detecting cancerous or pre-
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cancerous conditions early, when treatment is most effective; and
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WHEREAS, Education can help inform the public of methods of early detection and
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prevention. Colorectal cancer is largely preventable with screening tests that find and remove pre-
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cancerous polyps; and
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WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, individuals at average risk of
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colorectal cancer should start regular screening at age 45, while individuals at increased or high
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risk may need to start screening before age 45, and be screened more often; and

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WHEREAS, The Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program within the Rhode Island
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Department of Health maintains the goal that all age-appropriate persons in Rhode Island should
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have the ability to get screened for colorectal cancer, regardless of insurance status; and
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WHEREAS, In 2021, our dear friend and colleague, Senator Maryellen Goodwin was
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honored with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s "National Distinguished
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Advocacy Award," the organization's highest recognition, for her efforts to educate and bring
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awareness to colorectal cancer, which included championing the passage of the "Maryellen
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Goodwin Colorectal Cancer Screening Act" that mandated full coverage for preventive
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screenings and colonoscopies; and
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WHEREAS, Working with the legislature, the American Cancer Society and the
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American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network remain committed and dedicated to informing
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the public about colorectal cancer prevention and screening; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims March of
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2026, as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month"; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the American Cancer Society, the American
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Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the American College of Gastroenterology.
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LC005979
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