Bill Text: NJ AJR112 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Designates April of each year as "Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-1)
Status: (Passed) 2018-01-08 - Approved P.L.2017, JR-21. [AJR112 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-AJR112-Amended.html
ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION
No. 112
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
217th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED SEPTEMBER 15, 2016
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman HERB CONAWAY, JR.
District 7 (Burlington)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Moriarty
SYNOPSIS
Designates April of each year as "Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As reported by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee on January 30, 2017, with amendments.
A Joint Resolution designating April of each year as "Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Esophageal cancer occurs when malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the esophagus, a hollow tube-like structure that moves food and liquids from the throat to the stomach; and
Whereas, According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that about 17,000 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in 2016, and about 16,000 Americans will die from the cancer in 2016, many due to late diagnosis; and
Whereas, Esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers, killing one American every 33 minutes; and
Whereas, While esophageal cancer affects both men and women, men are about four times more likely to contract and die from esophageal cancer than women, and it usually affects men and women 55 years of age or older; and
Whereas, It is difficult to diagnose esophageal cancer at early stages because there are no early signs or symptoms. At later stages, esophageal cancer can be treated but rarely can be cured; and
Whereas, The symptoms of esophageal cancer include weight loss, painful or difficult swallowing, pain behind the breastbone, hoarseness and cough, and indigestion and heartburn; and
Whereas, Esophageal cancer deaths can be prevented by early diagnosis through routine physical exams to check for general signs of health, including checking for lumps, chest x-rays of the organs and bones inside the chest, and a series of x-rays of the esophagus and the stomach; and
Whereas, A person's risk for developing esophageal cancer can dramatically increase if 1[he] the person1 smokes, has a history of heavy alcohol consumption, 1[and] or1 is obese; and
Whereas, 1[Person may lower his] Individuals may reduce their1 risk of acquiring esophageal cancer by engaging in regular exercise 1[and a healthy diet] , developing healthy eating habits,1 and 1[by]1 avoiding risk factors such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption; and
Whereas, The Governor and the Legislature of the State of New Jersey are dedicated to protecting the health of the residents of this State and supporting the fight against esophageal cancer; and
Whereas, Esophageal cancer awareness, along with improvements in prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies, will enhance the health and wellbeing of residents of the State of New Jersey and ultimately save more lives; 1and
Whereas, Designating April of each year as "Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month" honors the individuals and families whose lives have been affected by esophageal cancer, including Joseph McGrane, Jr., a resident of Palmyra for more than 50 years who succumbed to the disease in November 2015;1 now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. April of each year is designated as "Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey, in order to recognize the dangers of esophageal cancer and to promote prevention and early detection among residents of the State.
2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing April of each year as "Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month" and shall call upon public officials and the residents of the State of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
