Bill Text: NJ SJR50 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates March of each year as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-21 - Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading [SJR50 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-SJR50-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator ROBERT M. GORDON
District 38 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Designates March of each year as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating March of each year as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month."
Whereas, Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 50,000 Americans will die of the disease this year. Many of these deaths happen because the cancer is found too late to be effectively treated; and
Whereas, Colorectal cancer affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people age 50 years and older. For men, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after prostate and lung cancers; and for women, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after breast and lung cancers; and
Whereas, While colorectal cancer affects people of all ethnic groups, the racial gap in colorectal cancer death rates is widening, partly due to the fact that African-Americans tend to have lower screening rates and poor access to quality health care; and
Whereas, Colorectal cancer death rates are now nearly 50% higher in African-Americans than in whites according to the American Cancer Society; and
Whereas, In 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available, the screening rate for whites was 50%, compared to just 40% for African-Americans, and the rate of diagnosis in African-Americans was about 19% higher than it was for whites. The death rate was even more pronounced; among African-Americans, there were about 25 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to 17 per 100,000 in whites - a 48% difference; and
Whereas, Colorectal cancer deaths can be prevented by early diagnosis through screening and quality care; and
Whereas, The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends having colorectal screenings every five years, beginning at age 50 and continuing until age 75; and
Whereas, The health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the State of New Jersey are enhanced as a direct result of increased awareness about colorectal cancer and early detection; and
Whereas, The New Jersey Legislature is strongly dedicated to preserving the health of the residents of this State, and in supporting the fight against colorectal cancer; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. March of each year is designated as "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey, and the citizens of New Jersey are urged to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
