HR 9039

1	House Resolution
2	A resolution recognizing March 2007 as "Colon Cancer
3	Awareness Month" in Florida.
4
5	WHEREAS, colon cancer, one of the most prevalent but most
6	preventable of cancers, is the second most common cause of
7	cancer death among adult men and women in Florida, and
8	WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society estimates that, during
9	the year 2007, 11,420 new cases of colon cancer will be
10	diagnosed among Floridians and that, during this same time
11	period, approximately 3,530 will die of the disease, and
12	WHEREAS, it is possible to have colon cancer without having
13	any symptoms of the disease, and
14	WHEREAS, it is possible for Floridians to significantly
15	lower the number of incidents of colon cancer and deaths from
16	this disease by adhering to the American Cancer Society colon
17	cancer screening guidelines, which include regular testing
18	beginning at the age of 50, and
19	WHEREAS, although the risk for colon cancer is highest
20	among older adults, with more than 90 percent of all such
21	cancers being diagnosed in adults 50 years of age or older,
22	approximately 44 percent of Floridians in this age group report
23	never having undergone a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy, two of
24	the screening techniques recommended by the American Cancer
25	Society, and
26	WHEREAS, regular screenings may lower death rates by
27	detecting the disease at its earliest and most treatable stages
28	and may prevent the development of some cancers through the
29	detection and subsequent removal of polyps, and
30	WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society, Florida Division,
31	Inc., has engaged in a comprehensive, integrated approach to
32	significantly impact colorectal cancer in Florida through the
33	launching of its "No Excuses Campaign to Defeat Colon Cancer in
34	Florida," by increasing public awareness, affecting physician
35	behavior through partnerships with health care organizations,
36	and advocating for insurance coverage, NOW, THEREFORE,
37
38	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
39	Florida:
40
41	That the House of Representatives recognizes the month of
42	March 2007 as "Colon Cancer Awareness Month" in Florida and
43	urges all men and women to avail themselves of a better
44	understanding of the risks associated with colon cancer, to take
45	preventive steps to minimize those risks, and to undergo early
46	detection procedures as recommended by the American Cancer
47	Society colon cancer screening guidelines.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.