Senate Concurrent Resolution 535

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MARCH 2023 AS "COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN MISSISSIPPI".

WHEREAS, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is observed in March to highlight the importance of screening for colorectal cancer, as well as to promote healthy lifestyle habits that can decrease a person's risk of developing the three distinct cancer types referred to collectively as colon cancer; and

WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most common in people age 50 and older; and

WHEREAS, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that the global burden of colorectal cancer will increase by 56% between 2020 and 2040, to more than three million new cases per year. The estimated increase in the number of deaths from the disease is even larger by 69%; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March is a great time to spread the word about the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer:

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 2023 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Mississippi", and encourage the State Board of Health to disseminate public information regarding the danger of this disease and the importance of screening.

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