Florida Senate - 2009                            (NP)    SR 2214
       
       
       
       By Senator Rich
       
       
       
       
       34-02154-09                                           20092214__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing April 16, 2009, as “Cervical
    3         Cancer Awareness Day.”
    4  
    5         WHEREAS, cervical cancer is the most common cancer
    6  diagnosed among women worldwide and is caused by certain types
    7  of human papillomavirus, and
    8         WHEREAS, unlike many other forms of cancer, cervical cancer
    9  has a precursor that can be treated and can prevent progression
   10  of the disease, and
   11         WHEREAS, since 1947, Papanicolaou testing, commonly known
   12  as “Pap screening,” has significantly decreased the incidence
   13  and the mortality of cervical cancer by 70 percent, and
   14         WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society recommends that annual
   15  cervical cancer screening begin at age 21 or within 3 years of
   16  sexual activity, and
   17         WHEREAS, approximately half of the women who develop
   18  cervical cancer have never been screened and an additional 10
   19  percent have not been screened in the last 5 years, and
   20         WHEREAS, in 2008, the American Cancer Society estimated
   21  that 11,070 women would be diagnosed with cervical cancer, 3,460
   22  with vulvar cancer, 2,210 with vaginal cancer; 1,250 men would
   23  be diagnosed with penile or genital cancer; and 3,050 women and
   24  2,020 men would be diagnosed with anal cancer, which are all
   25  human papillomavirus related diseases, and
   26         WHEREAS, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable
   27  cancers, NOW, THEREFORE,
   28  
   29  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   30  
   31         That April 16, 2009, is recognized as “Cervical Cancer
   32  Awareness Day” in Florida and all women are urged to understand
   33  the risks associated with cervical cancer, to take preventive
   34  steps to minimize those risks, and to talk to their doctor about
   35  annual cervical cancer screening and compliance with the
   36  cervical cancer screening guidelines recommended by the American
   37  Cancer Society.