Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
The resolution emphasizes the need for increased screening rates among Californians, particularly those over 50 years of age. It acknowledges that only 73% of this demographic had received recommended screenings as of 2016. By promoting Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the resolution aims to enhance community engagement in health discussions and encourage individuals to pursue proper screening, which can lower colorectal cancer mortality rates.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 163 designates March 2018 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in California. The resolution seeks to raise public awareness about colorectal cancer, which is noted as the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Californians, with projections of 14,400 new cases and 5,300 deaths expected in 2018. The bill underscores the importance of early detection and the effectiveness of screening processes, highlighting that the survival rate significantly increases when colorectal cancer is detected in its early stages.
The sentiment surrounding ACR 163 is largely supportive, encompassing efforts from various health organizations and advocacy groups such as the California Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C4) and the American Cancer Society. These entities advocate for evidence-based policies and community outreach programs aimed at educating the public about colorectal cancer prevention and encouraging screenings among high-risk populations. The resolution is seen as a crucial step towards promoting public health.
While the resolution itself is not contentious, it raises points of concern regarding disparities in healthcare access, particularly for uninsured and underinsured populations who are less likely to receive timely screenings. The resolution notes that African Americans face the highest rates of incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer, underlining the necessity for strategic efforts to address these disparities and promote equity in healthcare access.