MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) McMahan, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Simmons (13th), Thomas

Senate Concurrent Resolution 538

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE MARCH 7, 2020, AS "MISSISSIPPI COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS DAY."

     WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined but there is currently no cure; and

     WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with timely screening; and

     WHEREAS, incidence rates of colorectal cancer among young and middle-aged adults are continuing to rise, including people under the age of 50; and

     WHEREAS, it is estimated that over 140,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over 50,000 people died of colorectal cancer in 2019.  Colorectal cancer is not only preventable, it's treatable if caught early.  Unfortunately, over 20 million Americans who are eligible for screening have yet to be screened.  The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2019, 101,420 cases of colon cancer and 44,180 cases of rectal cancer were diagnosed in the United States, and 51,020 people died; and

     WHEREAS, the national goal established by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is to strive to increase timely colorectal cancer screening rates to 80% in every community for all Americans eligible for screening; and

     WHEREAS, it is critical that all people, of all ages, know the signs and symptoms of the disease; and

     WHEREAS, observing a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day during the month of March would provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of early detection and screening:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate March 7, 2020, as "Mississippi Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day."

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the State Board of Health for appropriate distribution throughout the state and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.