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A RESOLUTION designating March 2024 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 1
in Kentucky. 2
WHEREAS, Dr. Whitney Jones, a Louisville gastroenterologist, started the Colon 3
Cancer Prevention Project in 2003 after diagnosing several patients with colorectal 4
cancer; and 5
WHEREAS, for over 20 years the project has worked to end preventable colorectal 6
cancer deaths and suffering in Kentucky by increasing effective screenings; and 7
WHEREAS, each year an average of 650 fewer Kentuckians are diagnosed with 8
colorectal cancer and 275 fewer Kentuckians die from colorectal cancer due to these 9
efforts; and 10
WHEREAS, Dr. Jones and the Colon Cancer Prevention Project have saved 11
numerous lives in Kentucky through advocacy, education, health system improvement, 12
and survivor support; and 13
WHEREAS, the General Assembly and citizens of Kentucky are immensely 14
grateful for the dedicated efforts and commitment of the Colon Cancer Prevention 15
Project; and 16
WHEREAS, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer related 17
deaths in men and women in Kentucky, and Kentucky currently ranks among the highest 18
in the nation in colorectal cancer mortality; and 19
WHEREAS, by 2030, colorectal cancer is projected to be the leading cause of 20
cancer deaths in 20 to 49 year olds; and 21
WHEREAS, Kentucky continues to have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer 22
in the United States; and 23
WHEREAS, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is observed in March to highlight 24
the importance of screening for colorectal cancer, as well as to promote healthy lifestyle 25
habits that can decrease a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer; 26
NOW, THEREFORE, 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2026
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Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 1
Kentucky: 2
Section 1. The Senate hereby honors Dr. Whitney Jones and the exceptional 3
work of the Colon Cancer Prevention Project in saving lives in Kentucky and encourages 4
continued support for efforts to eliminate deaths from colorectal cancer. 5
Section 2. The Senate hereby designates March 2024 as Colorectal Cancer 6
Awareness Month in Kentucky. 7
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 8
Resolution to Senator Stephen Meredith. 9