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 of 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, it was estimated that there will be 158,850 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the United States and 55,230 deaths from colorectal cancer in 2026, and in Rhode Island, there will be an estimated 490 new cases of colorectal cancer, and 150 deaths from colorectal cancer; and

WHEREAS, When colorectal cancer is found early, it has a survival rate of 91 percent, but left undetected, survival rates for colorectal cancer can plummet to 13 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, According to the American Cancer Society, individuals at average risk of colorectal cancer should start regular screening at age 45, while individuals at increased or high risk may need to start screening before age 45, and be screened more often; and

WHEREAS, The Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program within the Rhode Island Department of Health maintains the goal that all age-appropriate persons in Rhode Island should have the ability to get screened for colorectal cancer, regardless of insurance status; and

WHEREAS, In 2021, our dear friend and colleague, Senator Maryellen Goodwin was honored with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s "National Distinguished Advocacy Award," the organization's highest recognition, for her efforts to educate and bring awareness to colorectal cancer, which included championing the passage of the "Maryellen Goodwin Colorectal Cancer Screening Act" that mandated full coverage for preventive screenings and colonoscopies; and

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

RESOLVED, That this Senate 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, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the American College of Gastroenterology.