Raising awareness of the racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer on the Black community.
Impact
The resolution aims to prompt state health plans to promptly implement new measures that would make colorectal screenings accessible to younger individuals, particularly focusing on the Black community and other high-risk groups. By advocating for earlier screening measures, the resolution seeks to improve early detection rates, which are crucial for effective treatment and survival outcomes in CRC cases. The bill also acknowledges the potential for significant public health improvements if awareness and screening rates among at-risk populations increase.
Summary
HR224 is a resolution intended to raise awareness about the racial disparities associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Black community. It highlights that CRC is the third-most common cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The bill points out that Black men and women have significantly higher rates of incidence and mortality from CRC compared to non-Hispanic Whites. The resolution emphasizes the need for targeted actions to address these disparities and encourages the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance their efforts in this area.
Contention
While HR224 is largely a call to action and does not impose binding regulations, it does draw attention to the existing healthcare inequalities and stresses the importance of addressing systemic barriers that contribute to these disparities. The bill may face contention from those who argue about the allocation of resources and the actual implementation of the recommended strategies. The need for comprehensive research into environmental and physiological factors influencing CRC risk among younger adults, as highlighted in the resolution, could also spark debate over funding and research priorities.
Recognizing February 4, 2024, as "World Cancer Day", and its theme "Close the Care Gap", to raise awareness about and launch efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic inequities and disparities in cancer care both in the United States and globally.
Supporting the goals and ideals of "Minority Mental Health Awareness Month" and recognizing the disproportionate impacts of mental health conditions and struggles on minority populations and communities.
A resolution promoting minority health awareness and supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month in April 2023, which include bringing attention to the health disparities faced by minority populations of the United States such as American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders.