ENROLLED
2018 Second Extraordinary Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 3
BY REPRESENTATIVE STOKES
A RESOLUTION
To recognize July 2018 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, thousands of families across Louisiana are affected by metastatic breast
cancer; and
WHEREAS, much of the discussion concerning breast cancer focuses on the
importance of early detection and routine diagnosis, where tremendous progress has been
made in the last thirty years; and
WHEREAS, the story for advanced stages of the disease is quite different, with many
persons afflicted with advanced metastatic breast cancer struggling with the emotional and
physical demands of continual treatment; and
WHEREAS, at present, no cure exists for metastatic breast cancer, and those with
the disease will continue treatment indefinitely with the goal of extending their lives with
the best quality of life possible; and
WHEREAS, more than one in eight women in the United States will be affected by
invasive breast cancer in their lifetimes, many of whom live in the state of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, breast cancer can spread quickly and inexplicably, regardless of the
treatment or preventative measures taken, and it is estimated that thirty percent of early stage
breast cancer cases will become metastatic or recurrent advanced cases, which are cases
where cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, including the bones,
lungs, liver, and brain; and
WHEREAS, although this devastating disease affects those of all races and
socioeconomic classes, the mortality rate for African American women is higher than for
white women, and breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for Hispanic
women; and
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WHEREAS, while there have been treatment advances for metastatic breast cancer,
many of those advances have benefitted a small subset of patients with specific types of
metastatic breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, while metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, there is reason to be
hopeful, as extensive research efforts are underway to address the need for a cure; and
WHEREAS, there is still more research to be done on this disease so that new and
more effective treatments can be developed; and
WHEREAS, additional efforts are needed to highlight the personal and social
burdens caused by metastatic breast cancer, the needs of patients afflicted by the disease, and
the promotion of promising research efforts in the development of more effective treatments
to combat the disease; and
WHEREAS, individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer should speak to
their physicians to learn more about the disease and find support groups and services in their
community or online; and
WHEREAS, it is altogether fitting and proper to observe Metastatic Breast Cancer
Awareness Month and to shed light on the devastation metastatic breast cancer brings to
communities throughout the state.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize July 2018 as Metastatic Breast Cancer
Awareness Month in Louisiana and does hereby encourage the citizens of Louisiana to raise
awareness of metastatic breast cancer and to provide assistance to persons afflicted with this
devastating disease.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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