Proclaiming March of 2026 as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society encourages the citizens of the State of Rhode Island to observe March, 2026, as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month"; and

WHEREAS, Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women combined in Rhode Island as well as in the United States; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, in 2026 there will be an estimated 154,270 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the United States and 52,900 deaths from colorectal cancer. In Rhode Island, it is estimated that there will be 430 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2026, and 150 deaths from colorectal cancer; and

WHEREAS, When colorectal cancer is found early, it has a survival rate of 90 percent, but left undetected, survival rates for colorectal cancer can plummet to 15 percent; and

WHEREAS, There are often no symptoms of colorectal cancer, but regular screenings can significantly reduce the number of deaths from this disease by detecting cancerous or pre- cancerous conditions early, when treatment is most effective; and

WHEREAS, Education can help inform the public of methods of early detection and prevention. Colorectal cancer is largely preventable with screening tests that find and remove pre- cancerous polyps; and

WHEREAS, Working with the legislature, the American Cancer Society remains committed and dedicated to informing the public about colorectal cancer prevention and screening; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims March of 2026, as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the American Cancer Society, and President Amy S. Oxentenko, MD, FACG, American College of Gastroenterology.